Working on your feet all day can be tough. But you're not alone - it's a common pain point for a lot of people and some jobs are more intense for this than others.
If your line of work falls into the following: retail, tourist guide, healthcare, hairdressing, hospitality industry (generally speaking), courier and teaching - then we’ve got some recommendations for you.
Actions To Take To Make Standing All Day Easier
We've rounded up some tips to help make the job more manageable and keep you comfortable while working.
1. Wear shoes that are comfortable and fit properly
The first and most important thing to do in order for your feet to be able to carry you through the day is finding a great pair of work boots. A lot of brands have features that will help you deal with those 10-hour shifts, so take advantage.
Standing all day can wreak havoc on your feet, joints and back. That's why it is imperative to wear work boots that will ease the strain of standing up for long periods of time, and ensure your tootsies will look good enough that you could be a model for feet pics should you desire. If you're curious how to sell feet pics, there are various online platforms and communities where you can explore that avenue.
The best way to ensure you're wearing a great pair would be by looking at what they offer as far as comfort:
These are just some features worth considering before making a purchase decision.
2. Find socks or a shoe insert to help with foot pain
When considering apparel to help you with standing all day many people just turn to shoes and neglect work socks. Work socks have been designed for this purpose and with the right socks, you'll feel less pain and more comfort.
If you're standing or walking most of the day, choose a sock with high cotton content and a cushioned insole to reduce shock absorption and add arch support. If you're sitting at a desk all day, try an athletic sock or one without extra padding because they don't compress as much as other styles do when worn for long periods of time. An added tip is pick out colors that match your work clothes so they don’t stand out too much.
3. Take breaks every hour for 5 minutes of stretching or walking around
Your body will thank you. Trust us!
Although good general posture is important, standing too long in even the best position can make you stiff and sore. So mix it up now and then by tilting a little this way or that way (but not so dramatically as the Leaning Tower of Pisa).
4. Invest in ergonomic workstation furniture, like an adjustable desk chair
The best thing to do is invest in ergonomic workstation furniture, like an adjustable desk chair. It'll save you a lot of pain and lost productivity down the road. When you’ve been standing all day as part of your day job, in your recreational time you should be as kind to your body as possible.
The theory is, you’re repairing your body for the stress you put it through during the working day.
5. The Water Bottle Roll Technique
First, get a small water filled with cold (or iced) water and place it beneath your feet when you get back from work. Have a sit down, read a magazine while you roll this chilled bottle back and forth for 20 minutes. This will increase blood flow to reduce inflammation and relieve any aches that might be present!
As a bonus piece of advice, don't wear shoes that are too tight or have narrow heels, as this can cause foot or back pain after prolonged use. Wear supportive shoes with good arch support, as they'll reduce the risk of injury and soreness in other parts of your body from being on your feet all day long. Make sure you are wearing socks made from cotton so they don't constrict blood flow and cause problems like varicose veins or poor circulation when standing for long periods of time without breaks.
Wrap Up
Working on your feet all day can be tough. But you're not alone - it's a common pain point for a lot of people. We hope that our tips help to make your job more manageable and keep you comfortable while working.
Let us know if you have any questions or feedback below, and we’ll be happy to help! Thanks for reading.
Sources:
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/06/13/jobs.on.your.feet/index.html - CNN 10 jobs that keep you on your feet
https://www.healthline.com/health/workplace-health/if-you-work-on-your-feet - Healthline If You Work on Your Feet