When you are absorbed in your work, it’s easy to sit for hours without a break. Everyone who has ever worked in an office has probably heard about how unhealthy it is to sit for too long. So what really happens to your body when you are sedentary most days? Here are three dangers of sitting for eight hours each day.
Your Blood Circulation Slows
When you’re exercising or even just getting up to refill your coffee or tea, blood circulation kicks in. All types of movement enhance and strengthen your body’s ability to circulate oxygen and detoxify.
So what happens when you are busily working at your desk for too long? Your heart rate decreases, circulation slows down, and your body cannot send as much oxygen to your muscles. This is why you feel stiff or have a sore back when getting up from your desk after a long day of work.
Muscle cramps and exercise injuries become more likely as your flexibility decreases.
Blood Pools in Your Legs
As you sit for a prolonged amount of time and blood circulation slows, gravity takes over. When you stay still, blood pools downwards in your body, especially your lower legs. This issue is especially concerning, as reduced blood flow can lead to dangerous blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a life-threatening consequence of living an overly sedentary lifestyle. People who suffer from diabetes are the most likely to develop blood clots.
Sitting Is Bad for Your Brain
Who would have ever thought that sitting all day could harm your brain’s health? But this is exactly what can happen.
As with other health issues, lack of circulation is at the root of this problem. When you’re sitting most days, your brain isn’t receiving as much oxygen. You may find that it’s tough to focus when you sit too long, which is a common symptom of reduced blood flow to your brain.
However, brain fog is the least of your worries. Impeded circulation increases your risk of having a stroke even if you are young and can even negatively impact your cognition and memory.
How to Combat Sedentary Health Risks
Despite all these seemingly dire side effects, you aren’t doomed just because you work in an office.
Taking standing or walking breaks throughout your workday is the ideal solution. If you stand for 20 minutes each hour, you can avoid the harmful effects of sitting all day.
Factoring ergonomics into your office setup is an easy way to improve your health. Adjustable manual or electric desks are the ideal workstations for your office, as you can transform them from sitting to standing desks whenever you wish. Accessories like anti fatigue mats protect your joints when you’re standing at your desk on a hard floor.
It’s also a great idea to invest in a comfortable chair to maintain a healthy posture as you work while seated.
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