We all know movement is medicine. Studies show that sitting more than 8 hours a day significantly increases your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, cancer, depression and anxiety, as well as neck and low back pain. Sitting is becoming the new smoking. So often in the clinic we see people who come in with pain, and prolonged sitting is a large contributing factor.
We understand it's easier said than done, especially when you're busy at work and tired after work and all you want to do is sit on the couch. But here's what you can do.
- Just stand up for a minute with every 30 minute of sitting.
Even better, do these stretches when you stand up, they should only take a minute and they get your body moving in the opposite direction of a typical sitting posture. They are great to do when you're back home as well. - If you've been sitting all day at work, best not to go and sit down and relax in the same position when you're back home.
- Increase incidental exercise: take a walk during your break, stand up or walk during your meetings, stand on the bus, or walk/bike to work if possible - really doesn't matter what you do, the goal is just to move more and move regularly.
- Normalise + promote routine breaks, stretching and movement in your work culture.
Need help setting up your workstation - talk to our team about an Ergonomics Assessment.