The development of technology and new areas of the economy has led to a change in our lifestyle. Manual work is largely replaced by office work, performed in a sitting position. After work, we also spend a lot of time in front of the computer or TV.

According to statistics, about 70% of Poles already lead a sedentary lifestyle. From one year to another. sitting, we spend more and more time. The media is paying attention to this problem more and more often. Although doctors recommend physical activity, it is difficult to exercise and follow a diet when we spend at least 8 hours a day in front of a computer. In addition, there are usually long returns home, stress and fatigue. It is difficult for us to motivate ourselves to exercise after work. However, physical activity is very important, and a lack of exercise can lead to many diseases. We spend even several hours a day in the wrong position.

The sitting position puts a strain on the spine and is also dangerous for our joints. Maintaining an ergonomic workplace is extremely important. A hunched position or lack of adequate support in the lower back while sitting can lead to numerous ailments. Unnatural body position, with the pelvis in the so-called retroversion, resulting in a contracture of the abdominal muscles. Interestingly, back pain is most often complained about by administrative and office workers, although it seems that it is the safest job for health.

However, not only our skeletal and muscular systems suffer. A sedentary lifestyle often increases the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes. It is a metabolic disease. All of these are interrelated, because overweight and obesity lead to diabetes, and to them – lack of physical activity.

Sitting negatively affects blood circulation, and thus the oxygenation of our tissues. We deliver more calories to our body during the day than it can use up. Therefore, we accumulate more and more adipose tissue, which also harms our circulatory system, overloads joints and ligaments. That is why it is so important to get up from the computer and change your sitting position. Neglecting the circulatory system can lead to varicose veins and even atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease.

A sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can also contribute to digestive and intestinal problems. When constipation becomes chronic, it can lead to many diseases and conditions, such as haemorrhoids. One way to improve digestion is to exercise upright, such as walking or running. For overweight and obese people, it is best to start walking as it is gentler on the joints. During a sedentary lifestyle, the intestines are compressed in the abdomen for most of the day, and this form of exercise maintains the natural alignment of the intestines and can reduce constipation. It is also worth rethinking your diet, enriching it with products that contain fibre.

Sitting in a stooped position, or constantly bending over, can cause headaches. This is because when you sit down, you clench your jaws and tighten your facial muscles. The consequences of such an attitude and lack of exercise include hypoxia, which leads to many diseases. How to counteract it? Take a short break and do the breathing exercises. Breathe out through your mouth while sucking in your stomach, and sniffing in as you push your stomach out. Then the muscles of the diaphragm will work.

Although in the case of many professions a sedentary lifestyle cannot be avoided, the most important thing is to act against it before we start to feel back pain and before other problems and ailments begin to appear. Health requires a lot of work, although a diet, or rather a change in eating habits, does not have to be a sacrifice for us. It is also worth finding the type of movement that we enjoy. Then the exercises performed two or three times a week will not be a nuisance for us.

The most important thing is to make the muscles of the spine more flexible and strengthen (the muscles of the chest and abdomen). Thanks to this, a sedentary lifestyle will not be so burdensome for us.

Source: https://www.bhp-center.com.pl/siedzacy-tryb-zycia-objawy-skutki-choroby/

Projekt otrzymał dofinansowanie z Norwegii poprzez Fundusze Norweskie 2014-2021, w ramach programu „Dialog społeczny – godna praca”.