Sitting for a Long Time? Here is Some Tips For You

Every day we sit for long hours throughout the day, in the house, while traveling, eating food, during office hours, and every time we get a chance. Though there is nothing actually wrong with sitting, spending long hours sitting causes lots of problems like,

• Lack of metabolism, 
• Body pain and stiffness, 
• Increased blood pressure,
• High blood sugar,
• Abnormal cholesterol levels,
•  Heart conditions

A maximum number of working people sit for hours with their heads down and deeply concentrated on their desktop screens on office chairs tend to harbour more of this problem than those who find some time to relax and exercise. However, many people can’t regularly exercise due to their hectic work schedules. 

Thus, to avoid health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle, follow these simple tips.

Maintain posture

To maintain our body posture, we need firm support for our spine. Our spine stiffens when we sit for too long, making us bend in an awkward position. Thus, to avoid that, we must sit in a proper position with a straight back, firm support, and comfortable. Nowadays, many companies are making ergonomic chairs which are specifically designed office chairs to provide necessary support and comfort while working for those extended hours. 

The Sleep Company’s new Stylux SmartGRID Office Chair is one of the best office chairs, with Patented SmartGRID Technology that provides healthy spinal alignment that engulfs and supports your lower back, SpinePro Cushioned Lumbar Support, advanced multi-level adjustments, effective head comfort with its adjustable cushioned headrest, and a super lounge recline at 135° seat tilt, all of which aid in the improvement of your natural sitting posture.

Take a break

Though hard work takes us on the road to success, sitting on an office chair for hours and hours paves the road toward health issues. Therefore, take frequent breaks for 3 to 5 minutes after every 30 to 45 minutes rather than taking one long break. 

You can take breaks to refill your water bottle, a work-related chat with a co-worker, a short walk around the office, or stretch your legs at your desk.

Do stretching

Despite having a comfortable office chair, sitting for long hours stiffens your body. Stretching helps you loosen up stiff muscles and relax, as well as makes your muscles stronger and flexible, while no stretching can result in joint and muscle pain after a while.

You can do simple stretching exercises while standing near your desk, or if you feel awkward, there are certain exercises that can be done while sitting, like hand and finger stretches, neck stretches, and back stretches while sitting. 

Take a walk

Due to extended hours of sitting in one place and lack of exercise, our body fails to get the required amount of movement to maintain its flexibility and strength. 

Walking is another better option that can help you reduce your body pain due to excessive sitting or lack of exercise—for example, taking stairs to the office if it is around the 5th to 8th floor, short walks during the breaks, or while talking on mobile, and going on colleague’s desk to give important work messages rather than pinging on hangouts or mails. 

Follow healthy diet

It’s important to maintain a proper diet to avoid any metabolism-related issues which occur due to sitting for extended hours. Thus, try to avoid eating junk food or overeating while working and eat fruits, dry fruits, and proper meals at regular intervals. 

Make it more effective

Even though your office chair is comfortable enough, 

• You can use an extra cushion to fill the gap and support the curvature of the lower back. 
• If you have chronic back pain, you can use orthopaedic chairs specifically designed to relieve certain issues.
• If you suffer from neck, upper back, or shoulder pain, you can use a high back office chair that supports these parts and relieves any pain.