Research has shown that sitting for a long period of time can give rise to various health concerns.
Sitting for prolonged periods of time affects your back, neck, and spine. It causes weight gain, which, in turn, can lead to cardiac problems. Too much time spent on the chair can lead to repetitive stress injuries to your spine, obesity, and diabetes.
Spending time at the gym working out, going out for walks, cycling, swimming, etc., gives the body the exercise it requires, but did you know the effects of all the amount of exercise you do are nullified by the fact that you spend large amounts of your time just sitting in front of the desk.
Studies say that sitting for hours together can be harmful, regardless of the amount of exercise you do or the calories you consume, or the lack of!
Sitting for long periods of time makes your muscles immobile. These immobile muscles gradually lose their ability to metabolize fats and sugars. This leads to their accumulation and then eventual obesity. Obesity brings along with it diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases.
Sitting for long periods of time leads to spine problems; it flattens the lower part of the spine and puts pressure on the upper part, leading to backache and neck problems. Constant work in front of the computer can cause wrist pain and carpel tunnel syndrome
So, how does one deal with this issue?
- Sitting at a place for a minimum of 8 hours each day is a necessity for most of us owing to the nature of our jobs. Exercising for an hour each day isn’t the solution here. What one needs is a break from the routine sitting.
- Break the monotony of sitting. Get up and stretch the muscles at every opportunity. Walk your way up to your colleague to pass on a message instead of using the instant messenger. Use the stairs instead of the elevators. Get frequent water breaks.
- You don’t have to sit glued to your chair at all times. Cross your leg or stretch your leg, bend forwards and backwards. Doing such small activities with your legs will keep the muscles and joints in motion.
Employers now are realizing the bad effects of the desk jobs that their employees are being subjected to and they are taking positive approaches towards dealing with these problems.
Many top companies have an in-house gym that their employees can use while at work, or after. Most companies also have their own physiotherapists who check in on the employees regularly and advise them regarding exercise plans and diets as per the nature of their jobs and their respective problems. Employees are encouraged to take breaks to stroll around the office campuses. A new concept of holding meetings outdoors is also on the rise.
Our bodies are made to move. Be in constant motion. Any break in motion for long periods can be a silent killer.
