Think Sitting Is Harmless? Think Again!
By Donna Stark
You have an hour left in your workday and you just realized that you haven't gotten up from your chair since your morning run to the coffee vending machine. You've been hard at work, trying to meet a deadline, and now your body is paying the price for it. Your muscles are tense and stiff. You feel as if you have aged decades since you first arrived at work in the morning. Thank goodness you don't feel this way all of the time, but what if you did?
That's a pretty grim thought, isn't it?
Sitting Can Be the Enemy
It's ironic how the easiest thing to do (sitting) can be one of the toughest things we put our bodies through. If your job requires you to be at a desk all day, you need to make it a point to get up and move, at least every hour or so, because if you don't, you aren't just going to feel achy muscles. You will be putting yourself at an increased risk for the following too.
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Chronic pain
- Spine issues
- Certain cancers
- Compromised posture
- Poor circulation
- Depression
Now, don't be alarmed. There is some good news here. You can be proactive and reduce the risk of the health issues mentioned above with some simple changes to your lifestyle.
How to Reduce the Effects of Sitting
The most important thing you can do to reduce the effects that come from sitting for extended periods of time is to get up and move! Try to spend at least 10 minutes every hour away from your desk. Stretch. Walk. Climb a flight of stairs. Anything that you can do to get your blood flowing is good!
It's also to your benefit to make sure your workspace is ergonomically correct. This will help encourage better posture and can reduce the risk of additional health issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tech neck, and back pain. You may even want to check into getting a desk that can be changed from a sitting one to a standing one too.
Visit The Joint Chiropractic
As always, if you are starting to feel the effects of sitting too long at work, come on in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic. Chiropractic care offers a safe and all-natural treatment, and is a great proactive step to take to help ensure the health of your body now and in the future! And with more than 500 locations nationwide, convenient hours, and hassle-free visits, it couldn't be any easier to head on in.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Hoboken, N.J.