Independence Day: Stretch, stay active, gift yourself freedom from aches

Business Standard

17 hours ago

As India marks its 79th Independence Day, it's worth remembering that freedom is also about the ability to move without pain or limitation. Aches, stiffness, and fatigue can erode our mobility long before we notice. However, simple, consistent habits can protect joints, strengthen muscles, and help us enjoy every step with ease.
Here are some doctor-backed ways to protect your mobility and live pain-free:
1. Protect your knees early
Many people develop early cartilage damage in their 30s without symptoms, according to Dr Sandeep Chauhan, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram. Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact strain, and strengthening thigh muscles can reduce the risk of future knee pain.
2. Follow the 2-per-20 rule for blood sugar and stiffness
A meta-analysis published in Sports Medicine titled The Acute Effects of Interrupting Prolonged Sitting Time in Adults with Standing and Light-Intensity Walking on Biomarkers of Cardiometabolic Health in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis found that light walking for even 2–5 minutes every 20–30 minutes significantly reduced postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose and insulin levels compared to prolonged sitting.walking for two minutes after every 20 minutes of sitting in your office. This not only improves insulin sensitivity but also prevents stiffness from long hours at a desk.
3. Fix your posture before it fixes you
Long hours at a desk can lead to poor spine alignment, warned Dr Sushanth B Mummigatti, Consultant Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon at Manipal Hospital Goa. Adjust your chair and screen height, keep your feet flat, and take frequent breaks to stretch your back and shoulders.
4. Walk your way to pain-free living
A study published in JAMA Network Open titled 'Volume and Intensity of Walking and Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain', found that walking for 100 minutes daily can significantly reduce the risk of chronic low back pain. Even if you cannot hit 10,000 steps, consistent walking supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts mood.
5. Use yoga to undo desk damage
Simple desk-friendly yoga stretches, especially for wrists, neck, and back, can relieve tension and prevent repetitive strain injuries, said Dr Umashankar Kaushik, Assistant Professor in Yoga Shastra at Mumbai-based K J Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies. Incorporating short yoga sessions into your workday improves posture, flexibility, and mental calm.
6. Stretch at work to keep moving well
From seated spinal twists to shoulder rolls, regular desk stretches improve circulation and ease tightness. These micro-breaks, as experts note, help maintain joint health and make sitting for long hours less harmful.