It’s Time to Take a Stand Against Sitting

It’s time to take a stand against sitting!

Did you know that the average American spends about 55% of their waking hours every day sitting?

How much is 55% ? Almost 8 hours!

This particular finding is on the low end, with other studies that show a percentage of people are completely sedentary (ie: not moving) for 12 or more hours every day. WOWZERS!!

 

So what does this all this sitting mean for your health?

 

You may have heard by now that researchers are saying that: Sitting is the New Smoking.  All that time parked in a chair is not only wreaking havoc on your body but possibly also your health? 

If you sit for any length of time during your workday, you may recognize some of these effects too:

• back pain
• neck tension
• headaches 
• eye strain
• weight gain
• Stress, insomnia, anxiety, depression
• high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Our bodies are designed to move often and thrive when we do. However, the reality of our modern lives is that too many of us spend a significant portion of the day sitting down.

When we sit, your body slows down  and effects:

• digestion
• elimination
• metabolism
• circulation 

A slowing of metabolism and circulation can cause creeping weight gain, insulin insensitivity, and elevated blood pressure.

These factors can increase the risk of what is now often called Sitting Disease or  Metabolic Syndrome which is weight gain around the midsection, high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and high blood cholesterol. All of these combine to put someone at a higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease,  Stroke, and other health issues.

I know these facts are scary, but thankfully there is good news!! Research is showing us that by taking regular movement breaks, to stand up more and sit less we can shift the odds in our favor and reduce the effects of chronic sitting. WHEW!

 

 What can we do?

Stand up more often and do stretching exercises!  Stand up and take short breaks to move, stretch and breathe is an excellent way to:

• tone and strengthen your muscles, which boost your metabolism so you burn more calories
• keep your bones, joints, and organs healthy
• deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your brain so you feel more energized and alert
• improve your circulation and improve your heart health and cholesterol levels
• boost awareness for greater concentration and productivity
• improves your posture so you have less tension and pain
• Helps you stand tall
• gives you a natural energy boost!

So set yourself a timer for 30 minutes and when it goes off STAND UP AND MOVE! If you have the set up to work standing you can do the next thirty minutes of work upright! 

Simple changes to your lifestyle like standing and stretching can have many positive benefits on your overall wellbeing.

Try this easy move to go from slouched to strong as you stretch your chest and spine to feel more energized and alert!

 

TO DO IT:

✅Plant your feet on the floor pull your abs in lift your chest. Stand tall.

✅Reach thru the top of your head to lengthen your spine 

✅Tuck your chin slightly. 

✅Take your hands behind your back and interlace your fingers.

✅Squeeze your shoulder blades together and lift your chest.

✅Take at least 10 slow deep breaths and  feel yourself stand taller

✅Lift your eyes and look up and try to stretch your spine even longer

✅Enjoy! 

Make movement part of your workday, even if you just stand,  to minimize the impact of sitting and help you stay healthy and happy at work to optimize your creativity and productivity!

Plus it’s a fantastic way to keep your energy levels up and your stress levels down, talk about WIN-WIN!