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January 13, 2017

Make this year your year for “Quitting Sitting”

General Health

As the New Year begins, most people like to make a “New Year’s Resolution.” Why not make yours “Quitting Sitting?” Most American adults spend up to eight hours sitting a day and everyone knows that sitting behind a computer all day can get a little drawn out day after day. What most people do not know is how poorly sitting can affect their health. Sitting all day can result in:

  • Lowered metabolism.
  • Increased risk of heart disease.
  • Slowing the breakdown of food and sugars in the body.
  • Poor posture, which can result in the distortion of disks in your back.
  • Hunching – This does not engage your core, resulting in SOFTER abs!
  • Slouching, this causes pain in the neck and shoulders.

If you find yourself identifying with any of those signs and symptoms of sitting too much, there are a couple of quick and easy tips to “up”grade your work experience:

  • Get up and walk around. This can either be outside or around your facility. Luckily for Fort Atkinson residents and the Fort HealthCare community, there is a certified American Heart Association indoor walking route right in the hospital building! It’s a free option for anyone to enjoy.
  • Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day. Consider trying a standing desk to further improve your movement.
  • Fix your posture! Your head, neck and shoulders should all be in line with one another. Arms should be close to your sides and resting on either your chair or desk, with both feet flat on the ground. Don’t forget to relax your shoulders to avoid hunching.
  • Do some light stretching or try some simple yoga moves.
  • Looking for a challenge? Try sitting on a balancing ball. This will engage your core and ensure that either your feet are flat on the floor or you’ll end up on the floor instead.

With these helpful tips (thanks to our friends at American Heart Association and BuzzFeed), try getting up and moving at least once an hour. You’ll find yourself feeling better both mentally and physically. Make 2017 your year for “Quitting Sitting!”

Want to review a Quitting Sitting Transition Plan? Download it here: