We live in a chaotic world, where everything is moving fast. Since our lives are run by machines – washing machine, dishwashers, microwave ovens, smartphones, TESLA – we don’t have to do most of the usual chores. And it is same on the personal and professional front. As a result, our activity levels have diminished substantially.
34 million people from the US hold office jobs. Therefore, they are confined, most of the time, to their desks. They are work in a sedentary mode for approximately 8 – 10 hours daily. An average person, according to the Annals of Internal Medicine report – spends half of their day in an inactive state watching TV, working on the computer, transportation and more.
Technology is helping us to do a lot of work with less amount of effort. It is also getting things done within a short span of time. However, there are many downsides to technology too. For example, sitting down for a long duration can lead to the development of chronic backaches, obesity, heart conditions, diabetes and also alter our postures. There are many adverse effects of sitting for a prolonged period.
Here are 5:
1) Back pain
People who have desk jobs or are confined to their seats for a long time, complain about having back aches. This is primarily caused by bad posture. Bad posture also causes disk damages and inflexibility of the spine. When we are active our vertebrae expands and contracts – which enables the flow of nutrients and blood in our body. Therefore, it is important to exercise or take frequent breaks in between your work.
2) Shoulder, neck and brain problems
When we move, we allow the flow of oxygen and blood to the brain. As a result, this allows for a sharp mind and extra clarity. If you sit for a prolonged period, the blood and oxygen flow reduces, which hampers our thinking processes.
3) Leg conditions
Sitting for a long duration effects circulation in our legs. As a result, the blood gets clogged in our ankles and we are left with inflamed varicose veins, ankles and blood clots. There are other negative effects too, such as developing weaker and denser bones. Thus, it is crucial to walk or run and remain active. If not, you might get diagnosed with osteoporosis.
4) Organ failure
Being in a sedentary position for long time can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, heart conditions, colon cancer and obesity. And these diseases are caused due to high inactivity level, which further causes insulin overproduction. When you are active or on the move for a good number of hours, you become capable of fighting cancer cells and free radical cells and enhancing antioxidants in the body.
5) Degeneration of muscle
Are muscles become useless when we sit for long. Such a situation can cause overextension of the natural arch of our spine or a swayback. Our glute muscles soften, which affect the stability of our body.
If your job requires you to sit for a prolonged period, then you should make it a point to take breaks in between every hour. Try stretching for 5 – 10 minutes whenever you get the time. Practice yoga, eat and drink healthy and cut down on bad habits. For example, instead of taking the elevator, use the stairs. Do these little things and live an active and positive life!
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