If it’s not a desk at your office, it’s a kitchen or dining room table. No matter your location, many Americans are sitting a lot more this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
As we all know, lots of sitting is not conducive to a healthy lifestyle, but there are still ways you can stay healthy even if you’re working your desk job. Read on as our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga highlights why.
Why Is Too Much Sitting Not Good for My Health?
It’s no secret that you use less energy when you sit than when you stand, and research shows that any extended sitting, such as at a desk, behind a wheel or in front of a screen, can be harmful.
Interestingly enough, an analysis of 13 studies of sitting time and activity levels found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity had a risk of dying similar to the risks of dying posed by obesity and smoking. We’ve listed a few more ways that excessive amounts of sitting can negatively affect your health below.
More Negatives of Excessive Sitting
- Hurts heart health
- Causes an increased risk of dementia
- Causes weight gain
- Can cause increased anxiety levels
- Doesn’t promote good back health
How Can I Sit Less?
At this point, it’s clear that less sitting is a solid recipe for better health. So, instead of sitting when you work, try standing or walking a little more when you can!
We’ve listed some clever ways to do that below.
Ways to Sit Less While Working
- Take a break from sitting every 30 minutes.
- If you work at a desk, try a standing desk or improvise with a high table or counter.
- Walk with your colleagues for meetings rather than sitting in a conference room.
- Go on a walk while answering or returning work calls.
- Position your work surface above a treadmill so that you can be moving throughout the day.
Too much sitting can be detrimental to your health in the long run, so that’s why it’s important to get movement in every day! If you have any other questions or need medical care, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga.
