Home > Just for you > According To Science, Sitting Too Much Is As Bad As Smoking Cigarettes > Page 2

According To Science, Sitting Too Much Is As Bad As Smoking Cigarettes

Sitting for prolonged periods of time has been linked to chronic back pain, poor posture, diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, and obesity. When you sit down for an extended period of time, the muscles in your body relax before becoming stagnant. After only a few hours, the level of healthy cholesterol in your body can drop by up to 20%. Sitting for long periods has also been linked to poor blood circulation and dangerously high blood glucose levels.

source: Harvard Health
So, how do we combat these health risks in a society where sitting is as normal as breathing? If you work a job that requires you to sit at a desk, it’s important that you take breaks and walk around whenever possible. Don’t stay at your desk during lunch; get outside for some fresh air and move around. Many workplaces also offer standing desks. They may sound silly, but they’re pretty revolutionary. If you can walk or bike to and from work, do it! And although your couch and Netflix are extremely tempting, it’s important to get in at least 30 minutes of cardio each and every day. Don’t let sitting around negatively impact your health when it doesn’t have to.