Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting has become a common part of our daily lives. We sit at desks for hours while working, sit in cars or public transportation during our commute, and then come back home to relax on the couch. With more people working desk jobs and living sedentary lifestyles, sitting has become the new smoking.
In fact, studies have shown that prolonged sitting can be just as detrimental to our health as smoking. In this article, we will discuss the hazards of prolonged sitting and how to combat them.
Effects of Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting
Prolonged sitting has been linked to numerous physical health problems such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and even an increased risk of certain types of cancer. When we sit for long periods of time, our bodies burn less fat and our metabolism slows down. This can lead to weight gain and an increase in body fat.
Moreover, sitting for extended periods of time has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease by as much as 147%. The lack of movement can also contribute to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Additionally, sitting for long periods of time has been linked to an increased risk of certain types of cancer such as colon, endometrial, and lung cancer.
Effects on Mental Health
Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting doesn’t just affect our physical health, but it can also have negative effects on our mental well-being. Studies have shown that those who sit for more than 11 hours a day have a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.
Sitting for long periods of time can also affect our cognitive functioning. When we sit, our bodies send less blood and oxygen to the brain, which can lead to brain fog, poor concentration, and lower productivity.
Combatting Prolonged Sitting
Now that we know the Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting, it’s important to take steps to combat it. Here are a few ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine:
- Take frequent breaks from sitting: Set an alarm or reminder to get up and move around every 30 minutes.
- Stand while working: Consider investing in a standing desk or using a high table or counter as a makeshift desk.
- Go for a walk during breaks: Instead of scrolling through your phone during lunch or coffee breaks, use that time to take a short walk.
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator: Take the stairs whenever possible to add extra movement into your day.
- Join an exercise class or group: Sign up for a fitness class or join a sports team to incorporate physical activity into your routine.
Conclusion
Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting can have serious negative effects on our physical and mental health. It’s important to make an effort to incorporate more movement into our daily routines, whether it be through frequent breaks from sitting, standing while working, or participating in regular exercise.
By making small changes to combat prolonged sitting, we can improve our overall health and well-being. So, let’s be mindful of how much time we spend sitting and make an effort to move our bodies more throughout the day. Our health depends on it!
So, remember to stand up, stretch your body and take a break from sitting whenever possible. Your body will thank you for it! Keep moving, stay healthy!
Some FAQ’s of Wellhealthorganic.com:Health Hazards of prolonged sitting
Q: Can sitting for too long cause back pain?
A: Yes, prolonged sitting can lead to stiffness and pain in the lower back due to lack of movement and poor posture.
Q: How much physical activity is recommended for combatting prolonged sitting?
A: Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day, along with frequent breaks from sitting.
Q: Are there any specific exercises that can help combat the negative effects of prolonged sitting?
A: Yes, exercises such as stretching, yoga, and strength training can help counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting. It’s important to also focus on strengthening core muscles to improve posture while sitting.
Q: Can standing desks really make a difference?
A: Yes, standing desks have been shown to increase energy levels, improve posture, and reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting. However, it’s important to still take frequent breaks from standing and incorporate movement throughout the day. So, standing desks can be beneficial in addition to other strategies for combatting prolonged sitting.
