SITTING TOO MUCH AT WORK OR HOME?
The world we live in today is dominated by computers, smart phones, iPads, tablets, TVs and the list goes on! Even though you might not watch TV, chances are that you are still spending nearly half of your day in an inactive state. Just commuting back and forth to work for most people can account for a few hours!
Unfortunately, being so inactive can wreak havoc on your body in so many ways that certain issues will become unavoidable. Read on about some issues that can happen if you are inactive too long and also some things that you can do to help stop the progression.
Unfortunately, being inactive can wreak havoc on your body in so many ways that certain issues become unavoidable.
1.) Upper Body Issues.
It probably goes without saying that neck and shoulder pain go hand in hand if you sit at a desk for too long, but it's worth repeating that you'll eventually find yourself with this type of pain if you do nothing. Poor posture is a big one here and it's crucial to not be leaning forward at your computer to look at the monitor. When you sit for too long, you slow the flow of oxygen to your brain, but by getting up and moving around, you can help ease tension in your upper body, but also keep your brain sharp!
2.) Back Problems.
Another issue that is seen frequently is low back pain. The culprit is often poor posture as well. Be sure to sit up at your desk, don't crouch or slump. Sometimes just being aware of how your body is is a good first step to making positive changes. 3.) Organ Deterioration
Certain diseases such as heart disease, cardiovascular disease and colon cancer are caused by sitting too long. Now this doesn't mean that just because you sit at a desk that you're going to get these, but they've been known to happen to people because of the overproduction of inactively and low blood flow to the organs. What can you do? Regular movement is all it takes! Take a short break every 30 minutes, get a drink of water, stand up and stretch, go get a coffee. It doesn't have to be very long at all, but it makes a huge difference in your body!
What Changes Can You Make?
We've already talked about getting up and taking short breaks while you're at work, but really you MUST do it for it to work. This isn't something you can just think about or have good intentions, you have to really get up! We promise your body will thank you!
Working out and being active before or after work is a great way to improve blood flow to your brain and muscles. Yoga is a great choice for everyone because it's more gentle, and helps you gain flexibility, plus it's a great way to unwind after a stressful day or week at work!
Lastly, take a good hard look at your desk at work. Is it ergonomic? Do you need a standing desk? Can your monitor be moved up? What about your keyboard? There's a lot of ways you can improve your working environment with just a few tweaks!
Remember, you just get one body, so treat it well and it'll be good to you right back!