With some experts calling sitting the new smoking, many of us who work in an office setting are rightly concerned about the effects of a sedentary lifestyle on our health.
Fortunately, you can make smarter, healthier decisions if you know about the risks of sitting at a desk all day long.
1. Leg problems. Your body was made to move, and a lack of physical activity can lead to poor circulation and blood pooling in your legs. Excessive sitting can even lead to blood clots or thrombosis. A few simple stretching and walking breaks can help lower your risk.
2. Sick building syndrome. Did you know that the air inside a building can be up to 100 times dirtier than the air outside? You’re also exposed to a mix of unhealthy gases, chemicals and pollutants from air conditioning, dangerous bacteria and mold. To combat this, make sure to head outside for some fresh air during your lunch break.
3. Weak glutes. An inactive desk life can cause you to lose muscle tone, but recent headlines claiming that sitting makes your glute muscles completely break down are exaggerated. As long as you keep up with your gym routine, you won’t hurt your toned physique.
4. Mental health issues. Working long hours, tight deadlines and overexposure to harsh lights can all contribute to stress, which may lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Take a mental break by getting up from your desk for a few minutes and walk through the office building, or go to a window to look outside. Ten minutes out of your day to simply relax is not asking too much.
5. Serious illnesses. Research shows excessive sitting and other hazards that come with working an office job can increase your risk for cancer, heart disease, arthritis, and obesity — all of which can also up your chances of developing an irregular heartbeat (atrial fibrillation) and blood clots (thrombosis). Ergonomics specialists recommend switching up positions every eight minutes and taking frequent two-minute moving breaks.