Do You Have A Desk Job? Here’s Why You Should Move More

Do You Have A Desk Job? Here’s Why You Should Move More

The average American adult spends 6.5 hours a day sitting, a fact attributed to more time spent on computers. Alas, it is also promoting sedentary behavior. Sitting too much is unhealthy, and increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and high blood pressure, to name a few conditions. Therefore, if you have a job that requires you to sit most of the time, it is crucial that you introduce or increase movement in your daily routine to prevent health problems and medical disorders.

Implications Of A Sedentary Lifestyle

Sitting for too long has serious health implications. Without movement, muscles and bones can weaken. Weight gain is also a likelihood because fewer calories are burned. Of major concern is that prolonged sitting slows down the flow of blood through the veins in the legs and arms. This condition increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where a blood clot occurs in a deep vein usually on the leg. When this happens, the clot may travel through the bloodstream and reach the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism and damaging the lungs.

One way to reduce the bad health effects of extended sitting is to use ergonomic equipment at the office. For example, get an adjustable standing desk to work on instead of sitting behind a regular desk. Studies show that standing is better than sitting as it burns more calories than staying seated. According to research, standing will burn around 100-200 calories per hour, compared to sitting, which burns 60-130. If you have a standing desk, it is also easy to walk around. Frequent movement lowers the threat of obesity, DVT, and high blood pressure. Be aware, though, that standing all day is also not an ideal solution. For this reason, it is best to alternate between sitting and standing, which you can easily do with an ergonomic desk.

Outside Of Work

In addition to using ergonomic equipment and taking regular breaks at the office, there are other ways to incorporate movement into your daily life. Use public transportation more frequently instead of driving to work. Walk to your office if it is not too far, and take the staircase instead of the elevator in your apartment building if you have nothing heavy to carry. 

Make it a point to exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Whether doing chores at home or a specific set of workouts, the regular movement offers many health benefits, from weight loss to better blood circulation. It also improves mood and relieves feelings of depression and anxiety. Studies suggest that a half hour of exercise can help you lose weight. Researchers also indicate that shorter workouts are beneficial, as you will still have enough energy left over to be active the entire day.

Sitting for long periods of time is unhealthy, and can lead to medical disorders and diseases. To reduce the chances of health problems and complications, it is vital that you increase your body movement. Standing more often, using a high desk, and taking regular breaks at work are highly recommended, while out of office hours, regular exercise can help you burn calories and stay fit.