Sitting: Dangers & 5 tips for an active life

Sitting is the new smoking

The average working adult in the Netherlands spends half of their working day sitting down. Since 1980, we have increased our sitting time by 8%, with an above-average number of hours per day. Nowhere else do people sit as much as in the Netherlands, and we need to do something about it.

Consequences of sitting too often

Faster fatigue

On an average workday, we are on the road for about 8 hours per day at our desks. We get in the car to go to work, where we are once again in a seated position, and when we get home, we move to the sofa. In short: we sit too much. This makes us tired more quickly and causes more people to suffer from sleep problems. In the afternoon, around 2 or 3 o'clock, many employees suffer from a slump, even though they still have a whole day ahead of them. Encouraging employees to stand makes them more energetic, productive, and happier.

Did you know that we spend 85% of our free time sitting down?

Toxic substances do not leave body

Bad substances (toxins) leave our bodies by moving a lot. When we sit all day, these substances stay in our bodies. The bad substances accumulate, which can lead to some cancers. According to researcher Dr. David Dunstan, Professor & Head, Physical Activity Laboratory, Baker IDI Melbourn, prolonged and too much sitting affects our bodily processes, increasing the risk of cancer. A conclusion we cannot ignore.

Increases the risk of cardiovascular disease

The risk of cardiovascular disease is higher in workers who generally work while sitting than in those who stand more often. Sitting too much raises the percentage of fat in the blood and thus bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of clogging of blood vessels and the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. In particular, people in the 60+ age group are more likely to have such health risks.

Did you know that Obama purchased $700,000 worth of furniture in the White House to work standing up?

Small adjustments, big results

Take action yourself to counteract the effects. By changing your sitting position regularly, exercising 20 minutes a day and drinking water regularly, you lower your chances of health risk. A variety of body processes are activated, including cells and muscles, which are responsible for processing cholesterol and glucose. Standing meetings or standing work are emerging trends that will cause employees to move more. Currently, only 1% of companies pay attention to this. As "sitting is the new smoking" gains traction, the percentage of companies offering such opportunities is expected to rise.

Do you have a profession where you sit a lot, but can be found in the gym regularly?

From research by the University of Leicester has shown that employees who exercise regularly in addition to their sedentary jobs still run health risks. It is important that, in addition to exercising, people also move around more in the workplace.

Now of course you don't have to make the same investment as Obama, but try to take a small walk of a few minutes every hour. Think about walking to the bathroom or to grab a drink.

I stand, you stand, we stand

"Sitting is the new smoking" may be a bit of an exaggeration, but we still need to think about how unhealthy it is. You tire faster, it stimulates the build-up of toxins in the body and it increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. By moving more during work hours, you have more energy, are more productive and happier. In addition, you reduce your risk of various health problems. Will you attend the next meeting standing up? Do the working conditions scan to get more insight into what you can do to work better physically!