Taking the Ache out of standing all day

Take the Ache Out of Standing All Day

From NEA Member Benefits

It’s no secret standing all day wreaks havoc on your joints, ligaments and aching feet. Now a growing body of research suggests it may also increase your risk for chronic disease. “Being still whether sitting or standing, impacts our metabolism and circulation, both of which can contribute to certain conditions and diseases,” says Jennifer Spreckley, director and chief learning officer of Kingsway Pilates. Indeed, studies show prolonged standing not only stresses your legs, knees and lower back, it can also lead to varicose veins, joint damage and circulation issues. While you need to be on your feet to teach or wash floors or serve food, you can incorporate strategies to ease the strain. You may already know it’s important to maintain good posture, move around and give your feet room to breathe. Here are three additional strategies to quiet barking dogs and minimize pain.

1.Feet first! Since your feet are the weight-bearing foundation of your body, selecting supportive footwear is key. According to Paul

Salinas, Doctor of Chiropractic and Certified Chiropractic Sports

Physician at Park Avenue Spine in New York, shoes that wear like sneakers with added support and cushioning are your best bet.

Dansko, for example, famously designs shoes specifically for the upright subset featuring strong arch support, roomy toe boxes, high-quality leathers that follow the natural contours of the foot.

See a list of educator chosen shoes in the side bar. 2.Mind your posture. Most of us stand without thinking too much about it. But being mindful of your stance can make a world of difference. “You want to feel most of the weight of the body in your heels—imagine a plumb line from your ears to your feet, and you will likely have to lean your weight backward to bring your hips in to that line. Then, imagine your head is a balloon and let it float up to the ceiling so that the string— your spine—can unkink and stretch to its full length. This will reduce tension in your neck and shoulders,” says Kate Hanley, yoga teacher, author of “A Year of Daily Calm” and founder of

MsMindBody.com. 3.Roll around. Use props to help ease pressure spots. “Keep a self-care kit in your desk with a foam roller, tennis ball, lacrosse ball and a bakery rolling pin so you can roll out your muscles in between classes,” suggests Salinas. Need instant relief when you’re at the front of the class? Tap your toes, stretch your calves or break out your tennis ball and roll your feet beneath your desk.

The key, say experts, is paying attention to your body’s cues to quiet muscle pain and strain.

Looking for a list of great stretches? Head to the Maine Educator Online for some great tips! Any medical information provided on NEAMB.com, such as text, graphics, images, and other material contained on NEAMB.com (“Health Content”), is for informational purposes only. More information.

From We are Teachers: Educator recommended shoes when you're on your feet all day

Vionic Slip-On

The Dansko Mule

Algeria Mule

“Fabulous shoe. Great arch support, quality construction. I also have these clogs in black that fit great.”-online review

Boots with Support - Keens and Merrells

Clarks Men's Escalade Step Slip-on Loafer