Advances in technology increasingly demand we use our brains rather than our brawn. Or even our legs for that matter. As a result, studying or spending long periods of time at work which require us to sit eight or more hours a day have now become commonplace. While many of us take the comfort of such positions for granted, our health may be suffering as a direct result.
What are the consequences of sitting down for long periods of time?
Sedentary lifestyles, where we remain stationary for extended periods of time, can have serious negative effects on our health. Even when our brains are working hard, our bodies may not be doing much at all. Besides slowing our metabolism and resulting in weight gain or even obesity, a chronic lack of physical activity places us at increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even certain types of cancer. It’s advisable to have a regular checkup with your health care provider. If there’s a need for medication, you can look for an online pharmacy, which you can find here at the website.
Can sitting down for long periods cost me more than my health?
Not all the negative outcomes of a sedentary lifestyle are immediately apparent. The health risks not only shorten our potential lifespans, but can increase healthcare costs and even cost us our jobs. While it can be easy to look at our current state and assume that everything is fine, it’s important to think long-term.
How can I mitigate the negative effects of sitting all day?
Many of us look forward to coming home and sitting down after working all day, but if it’s what we’re already doing at work it’s only worsening the problem. We all need exercise and physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so it’s important to get at least 30 minutes in, before or even after work and to frequently take breaks to stand, stretch and go on brief walk-abouts at work.
While sitting down all day is becoming a requirement for more and more jobs, we don’t have sit by and let it ruin our health. Staying mindful of how to counter the negative effects of sitting with the beneficial effects of regular physical activity is the key here.