Does your job need you to sit at your work desk for more than 8 hours? Here is how it is harming you

In this day and age, we all are glued to our phones and laptops. Be it at work or at home, the digital age has made us slaves to technology. While there are many drawbacks of phones and laptops, the effect it has on our well-being is the most important. 

A sedentary lifestyle with little or no physical activity is as harmful as obesity and smoking. If you have been working in a 9-5 job, there are high-chances you have little to no-movement during your working hours. It is important that you take a break every 30 minutes and walk for 5 minutes. Wondering what we are talking about? Read on!

How sitting for long hours is harming us

The opening line of a 2016 study on how modernity is associated with obesity, more than 30 chronic metabolic diseases, and high healthcare costs states, "Sitting too much kills"

Prolonged sitting, commonly referred to as "sitting disease," occurs when an individual maintains a seated position for eight to ten hours each day with minimal physical activity.

Experts have revealed that sitting straight for 8-9 hours can have long term effects.

“In the short term, individuals may experience discomfort, stiffness, and fatigue. Over the long term, conditions like musculoskeletal imbalances, lower back pain, and increased risk of chronic diseases can occur," Dr Debashish Chanda, Lead Consultant, Department of Orthopedics, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, told IndiaToday.In.

Sitting for long hours can cause muscle stiffness which can lead to reduced blood circulation in the body, causing fatigue, weight gain, herniated discs and an increased risk of various heart issues.

Many studies have also shown that sitting in front of the laptop can increase leg pain and lead to Type 2 Diabetes.

What can be done?

Getting up and moving is the best and probably the only solution. Here are some more things you can do:

1. Take breaks

Make sure to take breaks every 30-45 minutes. Take a walk around your office and move around

2. Better chairs

Get proper chairs that support your back.

3. Be hydrated

Always remain hydrated and drink plenty of fluids to maintain a well-balanced diet.

4. Exercise

Walking, jogging, or gym workouts, counteract the sedentary nature of a desk job.

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