Is It Possible to Counter the Unhealthy Effects of Sitting?

Health Effects of Sitting

If you – like many people – have a desk job, you probably spend more time working at a computer than you do anything else in your life. And, you are undoubtedly finding out the truth about the detrimental effects of sitting for extended periods of time. Specifically, it can wreak havoc on your health and well-being.

Although office life is not physically taxing in a traditional sense, it can still lead to injuries, discomfort, and health-related issues. You might be wondering if there is anything you can do to counter the negative effects of sitting. According to many experts, the single most important preventive measure you can take is to move around frequently throughout the day. Fortunately, there are many simple ways to do so. For instance, you might try:

  • Standing as often as you can; some strategies include pacing while talking on the phone and walking to a coworker’s desk instead of sending an email
  • Sipping water all day from a small cup or bottle, which will force you to get up often for refills and restroom breaks
  • Bypassing the closest restroom and instead heading for one that is farther away, such as on a different floor of your building
  • Lowering the height of your seat so that you can move your chair freely under your desk
  • Exercising at a medium to intense level, such as brisk walking, jogging, or cycling, for about 30 minutes a day (for added benefits, consider giving up 30 minutes of television time to accomplish this)

Of course, consuming a nutritious diet and avoiding tobacco use are essential to combatting the unhealthy effects of sitting, but the key seems to be raising your heart rate on a daily basis through physical exercise. Try to slowly tackle your sedentary habits; the human body was simply not meant to be a couch potato. Make it a point to get up out of your chair at least once every hour, and you’ll likely notice a difference in how you feel, both physically and mentally.

If you work at a desk job, health problems do not have to be inevitable. The experienced medical professionals at South Tampa Immediate care will be pleased to provide more information, if you are interested.