Sitting Awareness starts now!
We are excited to announce that the Varidesk is in! This means the competition will soon begin to win yourself a Sit-to-Stand work desk. What is a Sit-to-Stand work desk? It’s a desk that you can sit behind, and when you need to stand, you can easily change it into a standing desk. Alternating between the two positions, while taking little breaks to walk around every half an hour or so, is the best thing you can do for your back if your work requires you to be at the computer for extended periods of time.
Just how bad is sitting though? Why are we always harping on you for sitting all day?
Sitting is the new smoking. Read this article from the Huffington Post. To summarize it in a more reader-friendly way:
Sitting all day causes;
- increased risk of cancer (even if you’re physically active outside of work)
- increased risk of heart disease
- increased risk of obesity (seems like a no-brainer)
- increased risk of Type 2 Diabetes
- increased musculoskeletal issues (we see this all of the time; think tight hip flexors, sore upper back and neck…)
- higher rates of depression
The article also points out that the detrimental effects of sitting, like smoking, can be irreversible if it’s long term.
Luckily, there are ways to change your sitting habits. You might argue that you can’t change your set up and work habits, but if you take it seriously enough (which you should), you’ll find ways.
Here are some examples:
- Get a Sit-to-Stand desk (like the Varidesk)
- During meetings, go for walks instead of sitting in a conference room (this will also stimulate your brain and help you come up with better ideas)
- Set a timer at your desk for 15, 20 or 30 minutes. Every time it goes off, get up and move around; take a postural break.
- Do the upper back and neck exercises we show you! They work.
- Start a sitting awareness campaign at your workplace. If more people at your work are aware, more people will be on board for making changes. The step counter challenges are the easiest to run.
Stay tuned for the next blog and how to win!
Dr. Derek Page
Picture source:www.varidesk.com/home
Picture source: www.varidesk.com/home