Hi, Laura_UXC here!
If you’re coworking with us then it is highly likely you are sitting… a lot. I know I am. And sitting for long periods of time can become detrimental to our health.
So, at Coworking Cottage, we follow a simple and effective rhythm: 50 minutes of focused work, followed by a 10-minute break. It’s structured to help you stay productive without burning out….but the real magic happens in how you use those breaks.
Why We Encourage You To Stand and Stretch?
After 50 minutes of sitting and concentrating, your body needs movement just as much as your mind needs a pause. Standing and stretching during your break helps:
- Reduces stiffness in your back, neck, and shoulders
- Boosts your circulation, bringing more oxygen to your brain (really!)
- Improves your posture, especially after long computer sessions
- Renews your focus for the next work block
These small resets add up, making your entire work session more sustainable and energizing.
6 Simple Stretch Ideas for Your 10-Minute Break
You don’t need a full workout—just a few minutes of gentle movement. Stand up and choose a few:
- Neck rolls (slow, both directions)
- Shoulder circles
- Chest opener stretch to counter hunching
- Hamstring or quad stretch
- Spinal twist to loosen the lower back
- Deep breathing to reset your nervous system
If you prefer, just stand up and walk around your space for a couple minutes, that’s even better. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s just simple movement.
Make the Break work for You
Your break is permission to step out of work mode. Stand, stretch, hydrate, breathe. Use the time to care for your body so the next 50 minutes feel lighter and more focused.
At the Coworking Cottage, these small habits add up to big wins. Your body will thank you, and your productivity will too.
A Small Disclaimer
The Coworking Cottage and I (Laura_UXC) are not medical professionals. The suggestions in this post are for general wellness only and may not be appropriate for everyone. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or stretching routine. And most importantly—listen to your body. If something hurts or feels wrong, stop immediately and adjust, or skip the movement. No one is judging.
Further nerdy reading about how standing and stretching can improve your health
- Hemodynamics of short-duration light‑intensity physical exercises (2024) — This recent study showed that even short, light-intensity activity can increase cerebral blood flow, an indicator that gentle movement may help increase oxygenated blood supply to the brain.
- The Acute Effects of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting Time in Adults with Standing and Light-Intensity Walking… — A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis found that breaking up prolonged sitting with frequent short bouts of standing or light-intensity walking improved several cardiometabolic markers (like blood pressure, glucose regulation, insulin) compared with uninterrupted sitting.
- The physiological benefits of sitting less and moving more: opportunities for future research — A 2021 review described how interrupting sedentary behavior may prevent “the related adverse changes in vascular function” that arise from prolonged sitting, suggesting that occasional movement can help maintain healthy circulation and vessel function.