Health Hazards of Prolonged Sitting

pine forest, Ooty

Various studies have been conducted on the health hazards of prolonged sitting. Sitting for long hours for work has become a very common scenario. Ever since corona caused the whole world to shut down, working from home became the norm, which further increased the seated hours of working professionals. Corona also caused children to learn from home, which meant they always had access to mobile or laptop resulting in a great hike in screen time. The negative impact of sitting for long hours is showing. 

Apart from children who have access to electronic gadgets that make them stay rooted in their chairs, many adults too spend their free time in front of television, be it for getting updates on news or for viewing movies...oh, yes, the episodes as well. Got to agree that many episodes are really compelling.

Health Risks of Sitting for Prolonged Hours

The health problems associated with sitting for long hours include:

  • Obesity
  • Tummy fat
  • Neck pain
  • Back ache 
  • Increase in bloog pressure levels
  • Increase in blood sugar levels
  • Higher cholesterol levels
  • Heart problems
  • Poor posture
  • Tightness in joints
  • Swelling in ankle
  • Varicose veins
  • Venus thromboembolism
  • Weakness in leg and gluteal muscles
  • Tightness in hips
  • Stress

The ill-effects of sitting for prolonged hours is pretty well realized when attempting to climb up a hill or a slope. 

pine forest, Ooty, yogaatral

Pine forest in Ooty can pose a bit of a challenge to people who sit for prolonged hours.

How Many Hours of Sitting is Termed Prolonged Sitting?

According to a study, prolonged sitting can cause venous thromboembolism.

According to various researches, remaining seated for over eight hours a day can cause health risks. 

How to Prevent Risks of Prolonged Sitting?

Here is what you can do in case your work demands you sit for longer hours.

  • Get up from your chair every half an hour and go for a short walk, even for about a couple of minutes.
  • Do stretches every one hour. Try stretching forward to reach for your toes and perform side bends.
  • Every time you are on a phone call, get up and move around as you talk.
  • You may also try climbing the stairs at least a couple of times when you are working for long hours seated in your chair.
Lifestyle Changes

According to some studies, exercising for one hour everyday can prevent or reverse the health hazards of prolonged sitting. However, some other researches announce that even regular exercise cannot undo the damage caused by sitting for long hours. However, those who exercise regularly will be fitness conscious which would make them ensure they don't sit for prolonged hours. Hence, it is essential that we follow a regular exercise schedule. 

You may plan to include one of these forms of exercises:

  • Walking
  • Jogging
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Taichi
  • Yoga
  • Aerobic exercises
  • Pilates
  • Swimming
  • Martial arts

Visit this page for the benefits of walking. 

If you are a passionate cyclist, how about spending your holiday with your family here?

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Rama Thamizharasu

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