Balance Ball chair. Has anyone tried?
Posted By: Get outside on 2006-12-12
In Reply to:
I found this in a catalogue: http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product/95-1004
I have a balance ball, and now and then I sit on it at my desk. It really does feel great, but the problem is keeping it steady. It's large and I have a hard time keeping myself at a comfy distance from the keyboard. I was thinking of getting this chair as a "supplemental" chair. I don't think it would work for 8 hours a day, but I think it would help alleviate some pressure and strain for periods during my work sessions.
And, this may be TMI - but this past summer I had a breast reduction. (Best thing I've ever done for myself!) The change in my body has definitely affected my posture and has alleviated pain in my back and shoulders. But I really need to strengthen my back and obliques more. I thought this chair might help with that.
Has anyone used this type of chair, or even used a balance ball at their desks? What do you think?
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Do you use an exercise ball for a chair?
I know some transcriptionists do, and I think the wine and the ball would make a really fun combination to watch.
I better switch my computer chair for a potty chair. nm
Yes, if I could have the right balance of
administrative support and the power to hire/fire employees who are worth keeping/letting go.
Yes, I would.
How to balance it all.
I've been doing MT for 7 looooong years now and have recently gone back to school (pre-med). I've had to find a new job, a child with ADD/depression who takes massive amounts of one on one time to get school work done, etc., and another little one. I'm struggling getting work done and my homework. I took a fairly light load (13 credits) but am just feeling overwhelmed. Any time saving tips would be greatly appreciated!
It's tough to balance it all.
I've got a very full life, too. DH puts in a lot of hours at his job, but he doesn't see that I put in just as many. When he takes a break at work, he gets to sit down somewhere and actually eat or drink a Starbucks coffee. I have to make my own coffee, drop a kid off, pick a kid up or swap out a load of laundry during my "breaks" just to keep up. He does put in long hours at his job, and he's too tired to help out with household chores. He doesn't have time to get his errands done during the day either because he's got a demanding job. The kids do help out around here, too, but they have really full schedules with school, sports, jobs and friends. We've got pets contributing to the mess. Even my relatives call during the day for help with stuff. Cooking, grocery shopping, errands, bills and finances all fall on me to do. It's a load of bunk. I told DH I wasn't going to do MT full-time any more because of everything else I do around here. Why should I make as much money (or more) than he does, work just as many hours, and do EVERYTHING else that is expected of me? I even got hired part-time at an MT job, but they're trying to creep the hours up on me again. Plus, I have a second part-time job that's pretty demanding and just not worth what they pay me. I've got people demanding of me from sunrise to sunset, and I'm sick of it all! I'd like to sit on my backside and watch a TV program or movie for a change. I'd like to be have time to pursue my hobbies.
You (we) gotta get mean! JUST SAY NO to all the people badgering you all the time. Don't answer the phone or the door. Use caller ID and put a "do not disturb" note on the door. Lock or close your office door if you have one. Stay focused. Set work goals for yourself. I type at least 30 minutes of dictation before taking a break to go swap out laundry and stretch, then I get back to it. Assess your life and see what you can cut back on or streamline. Make a list of daily chores that take less than 5 minutes to do, and do those throughout the day. Delegate, ask for help.
How do you balance time
This especially causes problems for me working at home. I help take care of grandchildren and help my children also, hubby, pets, housework, cooking, errands, etc. I can't seem to balance that with my work. It cuts my production with the constant interruptions.
There is a balance though, people who are too social
People who tend to spend a lot of time alone seem to be a little sad. Just mix it up a little and find your balance. For me, if i'm around people too much, I feel absolutely drained, but if i'm totally isolated, I feel trapped and sad. So I socialize a couple times a week by taking classes, seeing family members, talking to neighbors, meeting up with a friend, and thats enough. Just not everyday, maybe not even every two days!
balance...sm (long message)
just wanted to encourage you. i suffer from burnout too (30+ years in this industry would burn out anyone!) =) ...but I have found ways to overcome it.
i would suggest that you NOT change companies. often when we're really stressed, making major changes is the LAST thing we should do.
for me, i find if i lower my MT expectations and quit being as perfectionistic as i want to be, i decrease the stress load. if you have the ESL from h*ll leave the allowed amounts of blanks or let QA deal with them and move on! you have nothing to prove to these difficult dictators...i try not to take it personally that they don't give a rip that they make our job nearly impossible....
i also need to keep my work life and home/personal/creative/school/community/family roles in balance. i work 2 jobs (1 MT, 1 not, go to school--online, and am a single mom raising 2 kids--older now) IT CAN BE DONE! And burnout can be BEAT!
if you need some moral support let me know--i'll give you my email addy.
ALSO, as far as the CTS, for YEARS I've had to wear typing gloves...best ones I've found are "MouseMitts" http://www.mousemitt.com/wrist.html
i have no affiliation with them...just passing on a good product that's saved me from having to have surgery...
hang in there...there is a creative solution to your burnout...
now, back to MT work for me!!!
=)
The OP was asking how other MTs balance homelife and work....
she didn't ask to be judged on whether or not she had experience working outside the home, et cetera...if you don't have anything productive to say to her than why bothering posting a response...obviously it sounds like she has a lot going on in her life and just needs some positive encouragement not judgement by others who feel they are more "grounded"....
Any advice on finding balance... sm
with working as an MT, the ebb and flow of the business of IC working from a pool, being a mother of a 10 year-old and a wife. How do you find the time for a well balanced family and work life? Finding time to be with your growing children, teaching them values, finding time for your relationship with spouse so that all of your family are happy, working as and MT at home. I find I work way too long although I am still in the learning phase of my company just starting full time. I find my daughter is growing up and I barely have time for her or for my husband. I want to provide a happy home and I want my daughter to learn values. She is having trouble at school and at home with her attitude.
Due to finanancial difficulties we had to move in with my mother-in-law and father-in-law and it really is not the best situation but could not be helped. I am slow as an MT. I just have a hard time finding a good balance for my family and working. I wondered how some of you out there do it and are happy with your work life and family life raising children and finding time for a well-balanced relationship with your spouse. My huband is trying to find a job now working as a cook in a hospital. He just has to wait for the hiring manager to contact him.
I appreciate any advice.
Having a couple zero-balance accounts open is okay . . .
but the available credit DOES count just the same as having that same amount charged. Lenders want to see open, good-rated accounts . . . just not so many that you have the potential for LA arge debt-to-income ratio. Keeping 2-3 is good. More than that isn't. Hth.
They are trying desperately to balance their runaway budget
Have you heard about the new naturalization process aimed at 11 million illegals in the country... along with some hoops to jump through (Learning English - ???) etc., they must pay 2000 dollars.
Do the math 11 million x 2000
its not a lot but its something
I applaude all who are able to balance all their jobs; I doubt I could even do 2I!! nm
xx
How do you find a balance in this type of work...
with family, friends, hobbies, etc and still have time to type! Is it possible, if so, how?
Do not close credit card accts with 0 balance
I get offered and have used no interest credit cards for years. They are usually no interest for 1-1/2 years. When it is time for them to start charging interest, I roll them over into another no interest card. I have never closed an acct, just cut up the cards and forget about them. My FICO score is excellent, as is my credit. I get offers for no interest cards at least once a week so it obviously hasn't hurt me.
I read a book once that burnout was caused by being out of balance. sm
Working too much and not giving time to other parts of your life is the culprit in the job arena. Variety is the spice of life, so focusing on balancing your job, your need for a good cash flow, with times to enjoy yourself is essential.
It takes work, and fortunately I have an S/O that demands that I take time for us to have fun and for "me" to have fun as an individual.
Well, that is incorrect information. You should leave your 0 balance accounts open sm
that shows that you are responsible and not over your head in debt. When you have a credit line of 15,000 and your balance is 0, that is a great asset. I am a mortgage loan officer myself, and the mortgage brokers want to see open accounts with 0 balances. That also helps you debt to income ratio, which in turn increases your credit score!
Most banks have auto numbers to call to find out balance. SM
You could call bank tomorrow morning. Maybe put some charges on credit card, but anyway call them.
As stated, it is taken out immediately. When I purchase stuff and use it, but forget to put it in checkbook, recording will tell me as soon as I arrive home what was spent.
ball
You'll think I'm crazy, but I use one of those big exercise balls. If you sit on it, you are forced into good posture and work the core muscles at the same time. Most comfortable chair I ever had.
Ball sm
My PT recommended it, she said one insurance company encourages it. I haven't tried it yet, but if I had the time, I would like to, it would take some time to get used to, trying to get over the fear of falling on it -- it will come sooner or later.
They are checking accounts with higher interest, minimum balance required, I believe.
dd
Started yesterday, August 1st...balance calender year in Tennessee..nm
=
I'm sorry too, hair-ball
.
crystal ball
AND..........i bet he had no problem spelling out last name SMITH or pt takes Tylenol...that's T Y L E N O L............usually works that way with my doc's
Ball question
Any way to save a ball with a puncture? I'm not cheap, well, yes I am, but I want to at least try to save it. I LUV MINE! Suggestions?
Play The Ball, Not The Man
I am respectfully handing this thread back to Dinosaur, when someone starts playing the man, not the ball, it's time to say cheers because it serves no purpose. Loo, you don't know the first thing about me nor did you bother to take the time to say one reasonable word - to those that did take a moment to at least respond meaningfully, thank you.
A.
DID anyone ever sit on an exercise ball?
hello
DO any of you ever sit on an exercise ball?
Is that better?! !!
I was 'on the ball' for about
3 years and I think it actually helped my lower back. Then I busted my wing (in a non-ball-related accident). That was over 4 years ago, though. I am not looking forward to the breaking-in period all over again. Still, all it's going to cost me is a little lung power to blow the thing back up, so I believe I will give it another try. Maybe it's just like riding a bicycle?
And when you get bored, you can always bounce up and down on it. Plus, your antics amuse your family and friends.
Can you give us a ball park?
nm
Base for the ball chairs
I actually bought my exercise ball/chair through ebay and it came with a base which has a small back support as well as wheels. It works out great.
Homemade stilts. We had a ball with these. sm
The ice cream truck used to make multiple trips around the block just to watch us.
The ball is completely in your hands . .
I don't blame you at all for being frustrated. Someone with experience would have been the wiser choice. This girl is getting an incredible opportunity. All her work will have to be gone over. She will not be able to work on her own for quite some time. We have two new girls in our office who just finished their courses (not a home course for Pete's sake), but we knew what we were getting into. I don't think you need to go to the doctor. If you do not want to be her mentor it will not work out. Otherwise, give it your best. It's going to require a lot of patience on your part. Good luck
Actually, dodge ball is the one game I
nm
Exercise Ball at Desk
I sat on my ball at the desk a lot during my third pregnancy. It really seemed to help with some of the back problems I was having.
My brother gave me the idea - apparently many people with office jobs in Europe sit on balls all day at their desks.
I am using a regular chair now because my ball sprung a leak, but I plan on replacing it very soon.
Thanks for the warning. I keep trying to use ball of foot, but often use big toe. NM
x
An exercise ball can be a great thing!
I know at least a few MTs who exercise on the ball for five minutes or so every hour or so. Your schedule sounds very tight, so I guess this would be better than nothing!
Never heard of such ball and chain inflexibility before.
s
Well, get started. YOU can start the ball rolling.
asdf
To your liking.. i used one about the size of a tennis ball and just sliced into
"rings."
I taped a little paper duck on my selectric ball and sm
had fun watching it go back and forth while I typed. I was so happy when Selectrics came out, as those huge carriages always knocked over my cup of tea and anything else that was in its path on my desk!
I guess I'm the odd ball; I LOVE going to home parties! sm
But on the other hand, I HATE shopping. I do the majority of my shopping from home parties -- Lia Sophia (sp?) jewelry, Tastefully Simple (a fave), Pampered Chef. I'm waiting to go to a Southern Living Home Show but haven't been invited to one yet.
Anyone ever type while sitting on stability/exercise ball? sm
Working on getting back in shape. My Theraband ball is about the same height as my work chair so thinking about using it part of the day to sit on while transcribing. Wondering if anyone has every done this and how it went. Even if only for part of a day or an hour, I think it would be a great way to gain core body strength. Anyone tried this or even thought about it.
The ball works for the butt, but not so well for the lower back.
I sat on an exercise ball for about 2-1/2 years (with a 3 month break in between after giving birth to my son). The first 1-1/2 years before I had my son were great, as my abs were in pretty good shape. After the delivery and after my abs were shot, I had a hard time keeping good enough posture of my back and ended up putting more strain on my lower back, causing injury. I just switched back to a regular chair, and my back feels great comparitively, but my butt hurts. I am going to try one of those donut things though.
If you do try the exercise ball, I noticed that if I kept moving on it, I typed faster and produced more (kept me going more), but be very careful to make sure you are keeping a good posture.
Good luck.
As for wrapping......that's another ball game (hope to do it all tonight, we'll see). - nm
x
I threw my back out playing dodge ball in 2nd grade. nm
nm
You need to give up your psychic friends business and toss your magic 8 ball.
x
If you have a Hancock Fabric store near you, they have a knit ball and video that teaches you how to
knit.
I love to quilt, if there is a quilting store near you that gives lessons, that would be great. Mine gives lessons where you can finish a lap quilt in a day.
Also ceramics is fun.
Ball park figure for cataract extraction with no insurance (as an outpatient)
nm
Champ and Addie (black labs); Mamma, Sally, and Bubba (cats); and Tom the snake (Ball Python).
x
The two sentence normal reports will balance out the 3 page reports.
I am Wendy too
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