If you spend more than 9 to 10 hours sitting at your desk, your life may be at risk. Expert reveals what can be done to improve sedentary habits.
Does your occupation require you to sit for long hours? It can worsen your health and increase the risk of death similar to that of obesity and smoking. The culture of busyness, meeting goals and deadlines often affects our health. People are so glued to screens all the time that some even forget to leave their desk for a while.
Sedentary lifestyle has already consumed lives. Sitting in one place for hours without an exercise routine can be very dangerous for your heart and also for your overall health.
“If you sit for more than 8 hours a day and do no physical activity, your risk of dying is similar to that of smoking and obesity,” said Dr. Sudhir Kumar, a neurologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, in a post. on social media platform X.com.
The neurologist noted that “the health risks associated with prolonged sitting are an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, abdominal adiposity (obesity), elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, heart attacks, strokes, cancer and premature death.” ”.
Tips for leading a healthy lifestyle
To counteract the harmful effects of prolonged sitting, Dr. Sudhir suggested “between 60 and 75 minutes a day of moderately intense physical activity (such as brisk walking, running, or cycling).” The doctor recommended taking 5-minute standing or walking breaks after every 30 to 45 minutes of sitting, and suggested some steps to minimize sitting time.
“Prefer to work standing at desks, take meetings and coffee breaks while standing, reduce free time sitting (for example, while watching television, mobile phones or other electronic devices) and schedule walks of 45 to 60 minutes daily,” said Dr. Sudhir.
However, he warned that sitting for more than 13 hours a day and at the same time exercising “cannot counteract the harmful effects of sitting for a long time.”
Adding healthy meals, exercise, and yoga to your daily routine can provide a variety of benefits. It can help address health issues and will also lead to a better mental health space. Therefore, try to walk one evening for about 5 minutes when you are free.
(With IANS inputs)
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