In today's world, it's easy to become sedentary. Many of us have jobs that require us to sit at a desk for hours at a time. When we get home, we often sit in front of the TV or computer for even longer periods. Unfortunately, sitting too much can be dangerous to our health. In this blog post, we'll explore the dangers of sitting too much and offer some tips for combating them.
The Dangers of Sitting Too Much
Poor Posture and Back Pain
When we sit for long periods, we tend to slouch or hunch over our desks. This can lead to poor posture and back pain. In fact, back pain is one of the most common complaints among people who sit for long periods. Poor posture can also lead to headaches, shoulder pain, and neck pain.
Weight Gain
When we sit, we burn fewer calories than when we're standing or moving. This means that sitting for long periods can lead to weight gain. In fact, studies have shown that people who sit for more than six hours a day are more likely to be overweight or obese.
Cardiovascular Disease
Sitting for long periods can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. This is because when we sit, our muscles are inactive, and our blood flow slows down. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
Diabetes
Sitting too much can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. This is because when we sit, our muscles are inactive, and our bodies become less responsive to insulin. Insulin is a hormone that helps our bodies use glucose for energy. When our bodies become less responsive to insulin, our blood sugar levels can increase, which can lead to diabetes.
Mental Health
Finally, sitting for long periods can also have an impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that people who sit for long periods are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
How to Combat the Dangers of Sitting Too Much
Take Frequent Breaks
One of the best ways to combat the dangers of sitting too much is to take frequent breaks. Get up from your desk and walk around for a few minutes every hour. This will help get your blood flowing and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It will also help prevent back pain and poor posture.
Stand More
Another way to combat the dangers of sitting too much is to stand more. Consider getting a standing desk or a desk that can be adjusted to different heights. Standing burns more calories than sitting, and it can also help improve posture and reduce the risk of back pain.
Move More
In addition to taking breaks and standing more, it's also important to move more in general. Try to incorporate more physical activity into your day, such as taking a walk during your lunch break or doing some stretching exercises in between meetings. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day.
Use Technology to Your Advantage
There are also many technological solutions that can help combat the dangers of sitting too much. For example, there are apps that remind you to take breaks and stand up every hour. There are also fitness trackers that can help you monitor your physical activity and set goals for yourself.
Take Care of Your Body
Finally, it's important to take care of your body in other ways. Make sure you're getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and managing stress. All of these factors can impact your overall health, including your risk of developing conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues.
About CanStayFit
CanStayFit is our non-profit organization devoted to educating and supporting better health outcomes for Newcomers, Indigenous, Visible Minorities, Seniors, and other marginalized communities.
When you become a member, you are the first to know about new content as it is released, from e-books to meal plans to workouts. Best of all, it’s FREE. Click here to join today.
Check out our other CanStayFit blogs:
Fitness
Nutrition
Comments