How to Tell if You Are Sitting Too Much

By Donna Stark

Unless your job requires you to be on your feet, you are probably sitting way too much throughout the day, and unfortunately, there may not be a lot you can do about it. Sitting can mean seriously bad news for your overall health and wellness, but what can you do when there are few other options? And honestly, how can you know when it's too much?

Signs to Look for and How to Fix Them

Whether you are at work, in your car, or on your couch, it is vital to take stock of how you feel after sitting for extended periods of time. If you find yourself suffering from any of the below, it may be an indication that you need more movement in your life.

• Back, neck, and shoulder pain - Poor posture can place excessive strain on your back, neck, and shoulders causing tremendous amounts of pain and discomfort. Make sure you are paying attention to how you sit and get up to stretch at least every 30 minutes.
• Isolation - Even if you are emailing or talking to a ton of people on the phone during the course of your workday, sitting alone and sitting for hours each day can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. It might help if you took the time to get up every hour or so to make some personal connections with those around you.
• Fatigue - Isn't it weird how sitting can actually make you more tired than moving? Well, it's true! In fact, staring at a computer screen for hours is one of the biggest factors of fatigue during the day. So, take a break and increase your energy by getting up and moving around. Go for a walk, do some jumping jacks, or give your muscles a decent stretch!
• Weight gain - If you aren't moving as much as possible, you aren't burning as many calories as you could be. Sitting can lead to weight gain, so at the very least, take a walk after eating at your desk or make sure you are exercising at least 30 minutes a day.

Movement Is Key

There's no way around it. You have to move more if your school or career dictates that you sit for hours every day. It may seem overwhelming at first, but you don't need huge blocks of time to do so. Those five minutes here and 10 minutes there add up and will make a huge difference in how you feel! Are you ready to lace up your shoes? You got this!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Wheaton, Ill.