This post will cover exactly why sitting is bad for you... And what to do about it. Keep reading to see our 6 simple tips for better workplace wellness!

You were not built for a sedentary lifestyle. This is because human evolution has structured our bodies to thrive under constant movement.

So, why do so many people continue to sit for the majority of their days? Well, for most, it's because of desk jobs. For others, it's simply due to laziness.

Now, this may not seem like such a big deal... But, we want you to think again. Here are just a few of the reasons why sitting for long periods is harming your health.

Why Sitting is Bad For You

Prolonged sitting has been linked to a variety of health issues, such as an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and more. This is because sitting for long periods can lead to decreased circulation and metabolism, which can have negative effects on the body over time. Additionally, sitting for long periods can lead to muscle stiffness, back and neck pain, and poor posture. While sitting in moderation is not harmful, it is important to make sure to incorporate regular physical activity and breaks from sitting into your daily routine to help mitigate the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

The obvious choice seems to be standing. And thankfully, standing desks now make this possible in offices. However, there are a few things to consider here too.

The Potential Dangers of Switching to Standing

While standing can be beneficial in reducing the negative effects of prolonged sitting, it also has its own set of potential dangers.

• Standing for long periods can lead to fatigue and strain on the legs and feet, which can cause pain and discomfort.
• It can also cause problems in the lower back and can cause varicose veins.
• Standing in one position for too long can also lead to poor posture and muscle stiffness.

It's important to keep in mind that it's not healthy to stand for long periods either and it's recommended to switch between sitting and standing positions throughout the day to keep the body active and reduce the risk of injury or strain. Additionally, it's also important to use good posture and to take regular breaks to move and stretch, to help reduce the negative effects of prolonged standing.

6 Tips for Staying Active During Work

Incorporating activity into your workday is quite easy. Try any of these five simple tips to get more active.

1. Get Active With Your Breaks

Instead of heading to the break room to sit around and chat, think about taking a ten-minute walk. A short burst of activity will dramatically improve the way you feel and help mitigate the effects of being sedentary all day.

2. Move Around Every Hour

In addition to short walks during your break, aim to move around throughout the day. If you sit or stand all day, take a two-minute walk around the office every hour. These two minutes every hour can go a long way in minimizing negative health effects.

3. Stretch at Your Desk

Although you may be stuck at your desk all day, you don’t need to stay still. Stretch and move your legs while sitting in a chair, or opt to sit on a yoga ball. Sitting on a yoga ball means that you will constantly make small postural changes, which means you’ll be moving.

4. Ditch Your Car

You might be able to drive somewhere in ten minutes, but you can probably walk there in thirty minutes. Consider walking or biking to work. And if that’s not possible, why not drive or bus part way, and walk or bike the rest? It’s an easy way to incorporate some activity into your busy schedule.

5. Stand Up

You don’t necessarily have to sit all day at work, do you? Talk to your employer about the health benefits of getting a standing desk and you might be surprised at how supportive they are. You can even make your standing desk. If you work with a computer, use sturdy boxes to elevate your computer screen, keyboard, and mouse. It is a great way to try a standing desk without breaking the bank.

6. Adjust Your Posture

Use the right setting on an ergonomic chair to help you maintain the right posture while you work. You should be sitting in a balanced position with a straight back and your feet flat on the floor.

Closing Thoughts

Now that we have covered why sitting is bad for you (when done for long amounts of time), will you make any changes?

Maybe you might go for a quick walk during your break or do a little desk stretching in your chair. Either way, even a little bit of movement can go a long way for your health.

And remember, knowing the negative health effects of a sedentary lifestyle is the first step in becoming more active. The next step is taking action.

P.S. Which workplace wellness tip are you going to try first? Leave a comment below letting us know!