Longevity is on the rise. Indeed, we are living longer than ever before. Modern medicine and a deeper understanding of how our bodies work, how they age and how they heal has led to an increase in preventative medicine. Isn’t science cool?
But some things don’t change. We go to work. We come home. We eat and we rest up. Even if we’re working out in the morning before heading to the office, sitting too long at a desk all day and then getting home and “resting” in front of the TV or a video console can be incredibly harmful to your heart.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the effects of sitting for long periods of time can be a number of health issues including obesity, high blood pressure, blood sugar level elevation, high cholesterol, heart disease and even cancer.
One study suggested that adults who end up sitting too long and spending more than four hours a day in front of the TV or computer have a 125 percent increase risk of chest pain or heart attack.
But…but we work. At a computer. All day. So how do we combat this? Here are a few simple hacks that we suggest to help you get moving during the busy workday:
1. Stand when talking on the phone. Sometimes we’ll take it a step further and pace. Walking and talking can often help with focus, so it’s a win-win.
2. Drink 6 glasses of water during the day. Try and get in three before lunch and three after lunch. There are so many reasons why hydration is important from helping with digestion and keeping your weight in check.
3. Take a walking meeting. Why not take your meeting outside? Go for a walk with colleagues when subject and presentation allow, or why not make a regular check-in with your employees where you move together. A healthy workplace is increasingly essential, when you care about your staff they will care about you and your business, and this leads to increased loyalty and employee retention.
4. Yoga ball instead of a chair. This isn’t anything new, but it is worth noting again. When you’re on a balance ball instead of a cozy chair, those constant adjustments to your core help you keep it moving.
5. Fidgit. Wiggle your legs, squat it out, take time to stretch. Tap your pencil, stand up, shake your booty when you’re typing it up. Regular movement leads to increased energy that will help you get through the day.
Need help finding ways for your team to move during the day? Give us a call.
Read more: How to Squeeze In a HIIT Workout Anywhere
