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The Healf Source
Why I Started Deadhanging Every Hour At The Office – And How It Transformed My Posture And Back Pain
Written by: Eleanor Hoath
Written on: September 23, 2024
Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon, I’m deep into editing an article, and I can feel the familiar tension creeping up my spine. It starts as a dull ache between my shoulder blades, slowly rising to my neck until it becomes almost unbearable. The headaches soon follow, making concentrating even harder. As someone who spends most of my working day at a desk, I’ve been battling chronic back and neck pain for some time now. However, recently, I discovered an unconventional yet incredibly effective solution: dead hanging from a pull-up bar every hour.
Has it made a difference?
Another surprising benefit of deadhanging has been the mental break it provides. In the middle of a hectic workday, those few seconds of hanging allow me to pause and reset. It’s a mindful moment where I’m forced to focus on my body rather than my overflowing inbox. By the time I’m back at my desk, I feel refreshed, more energised, and ready to tackle the next task.
What I love most about this practice is how accessible it is. You don’t need any fancy equipment – just a sturdy bar and a few seconds of your time. It’s a low-effort yet high-reward habit that anyone can incorporate into their day. And, because it doesn’t take long, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest schedule. In the Healf office, our wellbeing is a priority, and it’s not unusual to see people taking a few minutes for some stretches, a quick workout, or, in my case, a dead hang. It’s become part of our culture to integrate movement and wellbeing into our working lives, and I think more workplaces should follow suit.
In today’s world, where many of us are glued to our desks, it’s vital to find ways to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. Deadhanging has become my go-to remedy for back pain and poor posture, but it’s also a simple yet effective way to improve my strength and overall health. If you’re struggling with desk-related discomfort or looking for an easy way to boost your fitness, I highly recommend giving it a try. It may feel a little odd at first, but your body will thank you.
And who knows? You might even start a trend at your office!
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf
Eleanor Hoath is a Registered Nutritional Therapist (DipNT, mANP, mBANT) specialising in gut, skin and women’s health. She is the Editor of The Healf Source and founder of Well Nourished Nutrition Ltd.
Passionate about holistic wellbeing and balanced living, Eleanor combines evidence-based nutrition with a practical, approachable style to help people feel their best through content.
Based in London, she is dedicated to empowering individuals to nurture their health and understand the root cause of their symptoms from the inside out.
