Whether at work or binging on TV, sitting for long periods of time hurts our bodies.
According to James Levine, of Mayo Clinic, our modern day society contributes to over 30 chronic diseases and conditions. People who are obese, on average sit for two-and-a-half more hours than their average weight counterparts. Not surprisingly, this can put you at greater risk for diabetes, cancer and heart disease.
When we sit we can experience neck strain, shoulder pain, tight hips, poor leg circulation, and organ damage, such as heart disease. Set a goal of becoming more aware of how your body feels. Move, change position or stand up when needed.
Let's begin with the correct way to sit. Put both feet on the floor, keep your elbows at a 90 degree angle, relax your shoulders. Now, imagine a string at the top of your head with the other end attached to the ceiling. It is like be suspended in air, but your body is relaxed and moveable. Without realizing it, you are automatically sitting correctly and engaging your core muscles which include your belly, mid and lower back muscles.
Research suggests adding bouts of activity throughout the entire day is necessary to benefit our health. By engaging in activity, fresh blood and oxygen can be pumped through the body helping release chemicals, nourish cells, process food and even enhance our brain functioning.
Here are some tips to increasing your activity throughout the day:
- Try sitting on an exercise ball. This works your core and helps circulation.
- Walk to deliver a message instead of sending an email.
- Stand up. By standing we burn 33% more calories than when we are sitting. Stand when you take a call or even create an inexpensive standing desk.
- Take the stairs.
- Have a walking meeting or a standing meeting.
- Be mindful of staying in one position too long.
- Take deep belly breaths to help you to release tension and stress.
Make sure that you stand, stretch or move regularly throughout the day. Remember, you don't just have to sit there!
Be wise and be well. This is Sheila Harrell with the Church Health Center
If you have a question for Life Matters, send it to health@wkno.org