Your Heart is Hurt
In a research comparing two comparable groups—transit drivers, who spend the most of the day seated, and conductors or guards, who don’t—scientists first recognized something was off. Even though their diets and habits were very similar, those who sat had a roughly two-fold higher risk of developing heart disease than those who stood.
It Might Cut Short Your Life
Sitting for extended periods of time increases your risk of dying sooner from any reason. Whether you workout daily or not makes no difference. Of course, there is no justification for skipping the gym. Your time might be even shorter if you do that.
More Often Than Not, Dementia
Your brain may resemble that of a person with dementia if you spend too much time sitting. In addition to contributing to the condition, sitting increases your chances of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Even more than exercise, moving frequently throughout the day can reduce your risk of developing all of these health issues.
You’ll undo every exercise you did
Exercise is a difficult way to combat the negative effects of too much sitting. You cannot undo the effects of sitting down for seven hours at a time, not even with seven hours of exercise a week, significantly more than the recommended two to three. Don’t undo all your hard work at the gym by spending the rest of the day on the couch. Move forward!
Your Diabetes Risks Increase
Yes, if you sit all day, you’re more prone to contract it as well. It’s not just that you burn fewer calories, either. The act of sitting itself appears to be the culprit. Although it is unclear why, physicians believe that sitting may alter how your body responds to insulin, the hormone that aids in the burning of sugar and carbohydrates for energy.
You Might Develop DVT
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that frequently develops in your leg as a result of prolonged periods of inactivity. If the clot escapes and lodges in your lung, it could be dangerous. Though some people don’t exhibit any symptoms, you can have pain and edema. Long periods of sitting should be broken up for this reason.
You’ll Put On Pounds
Watch TV a lot? Spend hours on the internet? You have a higher chance of being overweight or obese. Even if daily exercise is beneficial, it won’t significantly reduce the excess weight you put on as a result of excessive screen time.
Your anxiety could increase
It’s possible that you frequently indulge in screen-based activities alone. If this keeps you up at night, your anxiety may increase. Additionally, spending too much time alone can cause you to isolate yourself from friends and family, which is linked to social anxiety. The precise cause is currently being investigated by scientists.
It destroys your back
Your back muscles, neck, and spine are under a great deal of tension when you are seated. Even worse is when you slouch. Look for an ergonomic chair; it will be the correct height and provide the optimum amount of back support. However, keep in mind that despite your best efforts, a prolonged period of sitting will not be pleasant for your back. Every half hour, get up and walk about for a few minutes to maintain a straight spine.
The Result Is Varicose Veins
Long periods of sitting can cause blood to accumulate in the legs. Your veins are under more strain as a result. Varicose veins, as they are known to doctors, could enlarge, twist, or protrude. Nearby spider veins and bundles of blood vessels that have broken may also be visible. Although they typically aren’t serious, they can hurt. If you require treatment, your doctor can inform you of your alternatives.
You risk losing it if you don’t move it
Inactive older persons may have a higher risk of developing osteoporosis (weakening bones), which could lead to a gradual inability to carry out simple daily functions like bathing or using the restroom. Even while regular exercise won’t stop it, you don’t need to start farming or run marathons to be active in your later years. Just remember to avoid spending hours on end on the couch.
Your Risk of Cancer Increases
You can be more susceptible to developing lung, endometrial, or colon cancer. The likelihood increases as you sit more. Breast cancer risk is increased in older women. If you’re extremely active, nothing changes. How long you sit for is important.
Tips for Taking a Stand
Increase your daily activity by standing up and stretching approximately every 30 minutes. Get on your toes. Walk around the workplace. Spend some of the day standing at your desk. Get an adjustable desk or build one yourself: Place a box on top of your PC. You should discuss a treadmill desk with your manager. All of these items can help prevent the harmful consequences of prolonged sitting and keep you on the path to wellness.
