2020 has put million of the world in their homes to work and play. This means more than ever; more people are working behind a computer screen. Unfortunately, gyms and sports halls have been closed or have rules that not everyone is comfortable with. Sitting for too long beyond a computer screen isn’t good for us. And there can be a temptation for many to sit from morning until evening and work. They are not leaving their desk for longer than a few minutes at a time.
What happens if a person sits too long per day?
Sitting down too much is bad for your health in a lot of ways. We are advised that we should move for at least 30 minutes or more per day.
Yet, some people don’t manage to do that. Sitting still for too much in the day can contribute to heart issues, diabetes, early death, being overweight, and blood clots.
What can you do to combat sitting still for too long per day?
The obvious answer is that you try to move as often as possible. At least a 30-minute walk is ideal. But here are some extras that you can add to your day to try and keep the blood flowing well and reduce your risk of illness.
Timers
You can set timers every 15-20 minutes to get up and walk around for a few minutes. It is also ideal for drinking some water and unplugging from the internet for a short while too.
Walk
Instead of getting up and heading straight to your desk, get up a little bit earlier and go for a walk. If you can fit in that 30-minute walk per day, you will be getting at least some of your active hours every day. You can even get the family involved with your efforts to stay active.
Flight socks
You can help ease some of the issues with compression socks. It is important that you understand how you can use compression socks though, You can read more about compression socks and the correct ways to use them from this source.
Pedals and Taps
You can get pedals that take up a very small amount of space, and you can pedal your legs a few times a day. This will help with your circulation. Use them when you are working. You can also tap your feet up and down on the floor for 30 seconds or more to help keep the blood moving around your body. If you want something that images more of the leg, then tap your whole foot up and down rapidly for 5-minute intervals.
One of the best ways to remind yourself to do this is to have post-it notes around your desk space or set a reminder on your phone for regular intervals. This will keep you on track until it eventually becomes a habit, rather than something extra that you need to think about. If you are really committed to the fight against sitting all day, you can buy a desk that can be heightened to standing height. They’re pretty common and easy to procure and install.
Leave a Reply