Do you spend most of your day sitting down? If so, you’re not alone. According to the World Health Organization, over 60% of people worldwide aged 18-64 years old spend at least six hours a day sitting down. This is a huge problem because too much sitting can have some serious health consequences.
Scary Signs You’re Sitting Too Much
In today’s society, it’s very easy to become a couch potato. With so many amazing technological advances, there are endless opportunities to be sedentary. However, sitting too much can have major consequences for our health. Here are some scary signs that you may be sitting too much.
#1 – Backaches
If you find yourself suffering from more backaches than usual, it could be a sign that you’re sitting too much. When we sit for long periods of time, it puts a lot of strain on our back and neck muscles. This can lead to tension headaches and even migraines.
So if you’ve been dealing with more back pain than usual, take a break and walk around for a bit. You may also want to consider seeing a chiropractor or massage therapist to help relieve the tension in your muscles.
#2 – Depression
Did you know that sitting too much can actually lead to depression? A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that people who sat for more than six hours a day were more likely to be depressed.
So if you’re feeling down, it might be time to get up and move around. Go for a walk, call a friend, or do something that you enjoy.
#3 – Varicose Veins
Sitting for long periods of time can also cause varicose veins.
This is because when you sit, the valves in your veins have to work harder to keep the blood flowing in the right direction.
Over time, this can cause the valves to weaken and eventually fail. This can lead to pain, swelling, and even blood clots.
#4 – Digestive Issues
Sitting too much can also lead to digestive issues.
This is because when you sit, your body doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood to your intestines.
This can lead to constipation and other digestive problems.
#5 – Fatigue
Another common symptom of sitting too much is fatigue.
This is because your muscles are not being used as much when you sit, and this can lead to a build-up of lactic acid in your muscles.
This can cause tiredness and even muscle cramps.
#6 – Headaches
Another common symptom of sitting too much is headaches.
This is because your neck and head are in a static position when you sit, and this can lead to tension headaches.
You may also experience migraines if you sit too much.
#7 – Weight Gain
One of the most serious consequences of sitting too much is weight gain.
This is because when you sit, you are not burning many calories.
In fact, you may even be burning fewer calories than if you were standing.
This can lead to weight gain and obesity.
#8 – High Anxiety
If you find that you are sitting too much, you may also experience high anxiety.
This is because your body is in a state of fight or flight when you are sitting, and this can lead to anxiety.
You may also find that your heart rate increases when you sit too much.
#9 – Poor Sleep Quality
Sitting too much can also lead to poor sleep quality.
This is because your body is not able to relax when you are sitting, and this can lead to difficulty sleeping.
You may also find that you are waking up more during the night when you sit too much.
#10 – Neck and Shoulder Pain
If you sit too much, you may also experience neck and shoulder pain.
This is because your body is not in alignment when you are sitting, and this can lead to pain in your neck and shoulders.
You may also find that your head hurts when you sit too much, and this is one of the most scary signs.
#11 – Swollen Ankles and Feet
If you sit too much, you may also notice that your ankles and feet swell.
This is because your body is not able to circulate blood properly when you are sitting, and this can lead to swelling in your ankles and feet.
You may also find that your shoes feel tighter when you sit too much.
Conclusion
So, what can you do to break the sitting habit? Plenty! Get up and move every 30 minutes, set a timer if you need to.
Take regular breaks throughout the day, even if it’s just for a quick walk around the block. Stand while working – invest in a standing desk or use a tall stool so you can alternate between standing and sitting.
And lastly, make time for physical activity outside of work by signing up for an exercise class or taking walks with friends. Sitting is slowly killing us all, but we have the power to change that.
By making small changes to our daily routine we can reduce our risk of disease and improve our overall health. Are you ready to stand up against sitting?
