Desk Sitting Dangers: Why You Should Move More

Spending Too Much Time on the Chair? 

Let's face it, the invention of the chair is great. Feet up, phone out and a cup of tea in hand can make for a magnificent evening. But that's where the problem lies—spending too many hours glued to that chair.

For many people, most movement occurs when walking from the car seat to the desk chair and then finally, to the couch. Whether working remotely or in an office environment, this pattern consists of shifting from seat to seat, leading to extensive periods of sitting and insufficient movement throughout the day. 

The Dangers of Excessive Desk Sitting

Think of movement as a way to warm up your body, sharpen your mental focus and keep your joints and muscles flexible. It helps you get through the day, accomplish tasks, and feel good while doing it. But what happens when you sit at a desk for 8 hours straight with little to no movement? Everything starts to feel stagnant and stiff. Here’s what to look out for:

• Neck pain and stiffness from staring at screens too long.
• Shoulder pain from hunching over the keyboard.
• Lower limb swelling from lack of movement.
• Lower back discomfort, a classic desk job issue.
• Glute pain from prolonged sitting.
• Thigh stiffness from staying in one position.
• Wrist and hand pain, a reminder to take breaks from typing.
• Lethargy and low mood from inactivity.

Bring Wellness Into the Workplace

We understand you've probably heard this advice countless times, but it's worth emphasising. Small habits can lead to significant improvements. Here are some workplace wellness tips straight from the NPL office that our team incorporates into our daily routines to combat a sedentary lifestyle.

1. Coffee/water breaks: Regularly stretch your legs and refresh your mind.
2. Lunch break walks: Take brief walks around the block with your colleagues. 
3. Elevated laptop stands: Raise your screen to eye level for better posture.
4. Office crossovers: Walk to a colleague's desk instead of emailing.
5. Park further away: Sneak in extra steps by parking further from the entrance.
6. Take the stairs: Opt for stairs over the elevator to boost your heart rate.

Remember, it's not just about hitting the gym, it's about incorporating movement and well-being into every aspect of your life!