Science says that not getting up and moving intermittently can negatively impact your health and lead to a host of problems.
Does your job entail sitting glued to the chair for long hours? Science says that not getting up and moving intermittently can negatively impact your health. So the next time you get a little too comfortable in your seat, remember to alight and stretch for a bit. If this still doesn’t convince you, here are some ways in which sitting for long can damage your body.
1. Neck pain
This is the first side effect that can get pretty serious with time. When you crane your neck too hard and focus on the computer screen in front of you, you expose yourself to severe cramps and other complications. If you must, position yourself differently, or bring the screen to the eye level. Your posture is what matters. In addition to this, get up from your seat every now and then, take a walk and indulge in some neck exercises.
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2. Lower back pain
Another health complication that comes with sitting for too long. Lower back pain happens because of slouching and an overall poor posture. It can be dangerous for the spine. When working on the desk, ensure your keyboard is placed close to the body, so as to avoid bending of the spine. Improving the posture can bring some relief, as can getting up and straightening yourself.
3. Weakening of bones
According to a study conducted in the Journal of Bone Mineral Research, not indulging in any kind of physical activity can decrease the mineral content in bones. You can make some dietary changes by consuming milk and spinach, but you must, by all means, engage in some kind of physical activity so as to keep the bones running.
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4. Fat storage
This is a no-brainer. Inactivity is linked to an increase in fat storage in the body, with nothing to burn it down. According to a study found in Exercise and Sport Sciences Reviews, sitting for too long can bring down the fat-burning enzyme lipoprotein lipase. If your job requires you to work at the desk, take mini breaks in between. Improve your posture and stretch.
5. Insulin problems
Even a day’s inactivity can bring down the functioning of insulin — the hormone which keeps blood sugar in check — according to a study in Metabolism. If the body does not get to use insulin correctly, the risk of type 2 diabetes becomes high.
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