What Are The Risks of Too Much Sitting?

Most people have a desk job and need to sit at work. Sitting is necessary because it allows them to perform motor skills such as driving, computer works, and detailed drawing. Sitting may be relaxing but too much sitting can be alarming. Research implies that people who sit for a long period of time are more likely to acquire chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

THE PROBLEM

Studies show that adults who spend to at least 2 hours a day in front of the TV or digital devices experience a 50% increased risk of death from any cause. Sitting for more than 11 hours a day will have a 40% increased risk of death in the next three years compared to sitting for less than four hours a day. While workers who have sedentary lifestyles for more than 10 years have double the risk of colon cancer.

Dr. Genevieve Healy, of the University of Queensland in Australia, says that “we’ve become so sedentary that working out 30 minutes a day at the gym may not do enough to counteract the detrimental effects of at least 8 hours of sitting. "This may be the case but solutions are available for workers."

THE SOLUTION

Intentional standing and standing in moderation is the best option one can make to reduce health hazards linked by prolonged sitting. Standings requires more energy, burn extra calories, tone muscles, and improve posture. Standing make employees alert and productive. Solutions to reduce sitting time and develop sit-to-stand work routines are now available to workers. There is a growing demand of standing desks that can be adjusted to sitting and standing position based on the task at hand.

FF Venture Capital, a capital firm that supports technology companies, found that standing leads to more sharing of ideas. This result led the firm to install standing desk in their meeting rooms. 

Here are suggestions from experts to help workers increase concentration, enhance group performance, and develop a healthier heart and brain.

1. Use the stairs whenever possible instead of an elevator.
2. Exercise or yoga pose during lunch break with co-workers.
3. Visit co-workers in person instead of sending an e-mail when applicable.
4. Walk or bike for outdoor exercise.
5. During periodic breaks, sit to stand and stretch, do some walking or lifting hand weights.
6. Park at a distance and walk to the office.
7. Periodically change from sitting to standing using a sit to stand desk.