22

Ever since technology made heavy inroads into our lives, we have spent more time in chairs.  But with more sedentary time spent, our body, which wasn’t designed for long periods of inactivity, is being left vulnerable to various diseases and disorders.

Besides work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) associated with prolonged sitting, research has linked a sedentary lifestyle with a number of other health concerns, including obesity, increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

Static-postures restrict blood flow to the muscles and tendons and results in a decreased opportunity for recovery and metabolic waste removal. On the other hand, repetitive movements that require the same muscle groups to be used over and over again during work may lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Short rest breaks combined with exercise, are more effective than passive rest breaks for computer workers. ‘Stop and Stretch’ breaks are another alternative you could consider while at work. These would help you to relieve stress from the muscles and shed off fatigue. Exercise and stretches help in improving blood circulation and mind’s alertness and concentration.

Here are some further tips that could help you to counter the effects of prolonged sitting:

• Stand while talking on the phone or eating lunch
• If you work at a desk for long periods of time, try standing often at the desk.
• Walk laps with your colleagues rather than gathering in a conference room for meetings.
• Position your work surface above a treadmill with a computer screen and keyboard on a stand.
• Take steps in place of elevator or walk on the escalator.
• Join workplace physical activity programme of 150 minutes a week.
• Cycle or walk/jog during the weekends.