Sitting Down – a New Type of Disease?

The notion "sitting is the new smoking" emerged after the outburst of the coronavirus pandemic when most people had to work from home. However, this new form of the disease is not as dangerous as it sounds, or is it? The chances are you are probably sitting down while you are reading this article, not only that, but most people have to sit while commuting to work, sipping coffee, chatting with friends, or watching their favorite series on TV. Despite the fact that sitting is inevitable, the question now lies in whether we would need to sit in most parts of our daily life and whether would it become a common notion just like smoking. Let's see where "too much" sitting down would lead us. Read on.

Sitting vs smoking

Another study has shown that around half a million people have to sit a minimum of six hours at work without getting up. In adult life, this can be a nightmare. This signalizes that in a few years those people would automatically suffer from some form of muscle or back disease. Add the fact that most people watch around 3 hours of television every day, and just like smoking, the risk of sublime diseases arises. There is more than a 100% chance that a person who only has around 20% of movement per day would increase the chances of getting diabetes, heart attack, or even stroke. Smoking has lesser consequences for some people, but it's equally harmful. Therefore, it's fair to note that the equation is the same, if not worse for "sitting down" disease.

A risky effect on our health

In Australia alone, the popularity of remote work tripled after the pandemic, hence it’s no wonder that more and more spine illnesses and problems with back pain emerged. Nowadays, almost everyone should find a quality neurosurgeon from Brisbane, for instance, and have him on speed dial in case of a back emergency. Most experts came to the conclusion that human is not designed to sit steadily for long periods because it would lead to many health problems and illnesses, and then we would really need to contact that neurosurgeon. When we sit, the body puts pressure on the lower back and neck which prevents blood from moving, causing numerous other health-related problems.

Faulty posture causes poor sleep; poor sleep causes numerous other diseases

If there is one thing that has been known for years is the effect of tiredness on productivity. When the human body is too overwhelmed, it fails to function properly. Consequently, when we sit for long periods, the general body's functions whose main function is to break down fats and sugar are maximally stalled. This automatically leads to numerous back pain, and faulty posture, and especially reduces your sleep quality. If the body doesn't get the designated rest it needs to recharge, the body won't be able to rest, and sleep deprivation is a horrible disease that also triggers other things. By moving around and being more physically active than sedentary, you would keep the blood moving, boost digestion, and allow the body to metabolize nutrients needed for various functions.

Triggering a plethora of bad habits

Sitting is the new smoking, indeed. Just like smoking, there are plenty of disadvantages that people are not aware of, but don’t do anything to alter them because it "feels good". Spending long hours in a sedentary position can lead to obesity, contribute to affecting metabolic rate, increase a person's blood sugar and so much more. Even though sitting is utterly relaxing, sitting in one position for extended periods of time, may allow fatty acids to build up in the blood vessels, leading to heart diseases, type 2 diabetes, and blood clots. When you are sitting down and not moving for extensive periods, your body's ability to process fats is slowed which, in the long run, causes the fat to accumulate which over time leads to obesity.

Don’t just sit around – MOVE!

Fortunately, there is a solution to this new form of the disease – moving! Those who can't go out of work for a quick brisk walk, can set a timer and remember to get up every hour and move. Merely standing, walking around, or stretching aid in combating this problem. Next, keep a mindful eye on your posture when sitting. Keep your shoulders back, tuck in your chin, and pull your stomach towards your spine to keep muscles strengthen and bones aligned. In the end, try to take up some mild sporting activity. Exercising is the best way to combat any sedentary illness. If you are not into excessive physical activities, you could sign up at a gym and just hit the treadmill for a short walk. Yoga, pilates, or Tai Chi classes are also utterly helpful and don’t require much effort, but have immense benefits.

In the end, the aim is to do mindful exercise, stand up and walk from time to time, and not let sitting in one spot due to work determine how you would spend the rest of your life.