It's time to stand up and take notice.
The human spine is a complex structure designed to support our bodies and allow for movement. When we sit in a slumped or slouched position, we misalign our spine, putting undue stress on the muscles, ligaments, and discs that support it. This can lead to a variety of back problems
The Impact of Poor Posture
Beyond back pain, poor posture while sitting can also have negative consequences for your overall health and can contribute to:
Headaches: When your posture is a bit wonky, it can send your neck and shoulders into a tizzy, paving the way for those pesky headaches.
Fatigue: Slouching can play some mind games with your brain by slowing down the blood flow, leaving you feeling like a sleepy sloth.
Reduced productivity: Back pain that just won't quit can be a real productivity buzzkill, making it tough to stay on task and slay the workday dragons.
The average adult in developed economies spends a staggering 7.7 hours per day sitting.
The adage "sitting is the new smoking" isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a stark warning about the health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. While we've long known that smoking is detrimental to our health, recent studies have highlighted the dangers of prolonged sitting.
Why is Sitting So Dangerous?
When we sit, our bodies become less active, leading to a cascade of negative effects:
Immediately after sitting, electrical activity in the leg muscles shuts off.
Calorie burning drops to 1 Kcal per minute. (Chewing gum burns 11 Kcal/min)
Enzymes that help break down fat, drop 90%.
After 2 hours, good cholesterol drops 20%.
After 24 hours, insulin effectiveness drops 24%.
More than 62% of SA adults suffer with ongoing back pain as a result of sitting
Taking Action: Simple Solutions
Score a chair that's got your back: Snag a seat that cuddles your lower back and can be adjusted to your liking.
Posture power: Keep your spine in line, relax those shoulders, and plant your feet firmly on the ground.
Take breather breaks: Stretch your legs and wiggle around every half an hour to give your back a break.
Boost that core: A rock-solid core can be your back's bestie, so get those muscles in shape.
Strike a pose with yoga or Pilates: Flexibility and a strong back-supporting squad of muscles are just a few stretches away.
How to lower the risk of health problems associated with sitting for long periods:
Let's Get Physical: Strive for 150 minutes of sweat-inducing exercise or 75 minutes of heart-pumping workouts weekly.
Stand Tall: Think about trying a standing desk or mixing up sitting and standing during the day.
Break Time: Stretch those legs every 50 minutes to jazz up those marathon sitting sessions.
Walk the Talk: Spice up meetings by taking them on the move for an active twist.
Don't Let Sitting Steal Your Health
It's time to prioritize physical activity and break free from the sedentary lifestyle. By making simple changes to your daily routine, you can improve your overall health and reduce the risks
Ergo-Check: Score a free ergonomic workspace assessment to keep those strains at bay.
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