Is Sitting Bad For Your Health?
I recently shared my personal experiment into this question with you.
It turns out that that sitting for long periods is linked to all sorts of ailments such as increased rates of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and even Alzheimer’s.
The research suggests that even if you have a healthy and active lifestyle, it doesn’t counteract these dangers. The Mayo Clinic’s Dr. James Levine says, “the solution seems to be less sitting and more moving.”
Being Active Doesn’t Have To Be Expensive or Complicated
It can be easy and free. You can buy the expensive exercise chairs and computer station treadmills. Or you could simply take a break from your desk for a couple of minutes every hour or so to take a little breather and reconnect with a little yoga.
Whether you believe the studies or not, it’s hard to disagree that taking regular breaks and refreshing yourself with some physical activity is a good idea.
Worried about that others will think you’re a slacker for not being chained to your seat for hours at a time? Tell them you’re being more productive. It’s true. Studies have repeatedly shown that people who take regular breaks outproduce those who don’t.
Take a Stand
If you’re simply not down with shifting your eyes from your screen and stretching out,
then try standing.
After the results of my personal experiment, I continue to incorporate standing into my work day by placing my computer on a file box on top of my desk.
When I get tired of standing, I just take the box out and sit down for 10 to 20 minutes and then go back to standing.
If you’re looking for any more incentive to get vertical, consider this: you burn 3 times more calories just by standing instead of sitting.
Take a yoga break. You’ll feel better, be more productive, more relaxed, and much healthier.
If you’re stumped for quick and easy ways to do yoga at work, check out Eve Johnson’s Kitchen Counter Series to get you in the flow.
Whether taking a few yoga breaks or just standing at your desk, let me know about your experiences!
Che Nolan is a Propologist with a major in Bolsterology and an Iyengar yoga practitioner with a daily meditation practice. He is also a writer and a regular b, halfmoon contributor.
