YoPO provides resources to help desk workers and other people who spend much of their day sitting improve wellbeing through movement, mindfulness and lifestyle practices that are quick, easy, accessible and enjoyable and can be integrated into the working day.

YoPO resources are designed for the majority of employees who may not have significant health conditions but feel under par some or most days, may have minor aches and pains and who don’t feel that they have enough time to look after themselves properly. The practices offered are widely accessible and aim to improve feelings of wellbeing and where possible to prevent minor issues becoming significant problems.

As well as being linked to weight gain and multiple consequent health issues, too much sitting can cause musculoskeletal issues such as tension held in the neck and shoulders, stiffness and discomfort, poor posture, reduced flexibility and loss of strength in the major muscle groups. Poor posture when seated can also restrict breathing due to compression of the chest area.

Any of these factors can increase feelings of pressure and stress, and often when sitting and concentrating on work for too long we start to feel dull, flat, low in energy and out of touch with the effect on our bodies. We can become less motivated to do anything physically active which creates a vicious circle, and it can be easy for issues to build up under the radar.

Bringing even a small amount of movement into the working day can help to prevent the feeling of the body “setting” into position, by maintaining mobility in the joints and stretching and working the muscles. Regular use of the resources offered, including mindfulness and lifestyle practices can also  raise energy levels, lift the spirits, lower stress, reduce feelings of overwhelm and loss of control and improve sleep quality.