By: Audrey Scott

Not scientifically reviewed by Dr. Eeks

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photography-of-woman-sitting-on-chair-near-window-761872/

Sitting is something pretty much all of us do every day, and it would be pretty hard to get through life never sitting down. That being said, if you sit for a whole lot of your time, then you are doing a great disservice to your overall health. The thing is, sitting a lot is really, really bad for your health! Here’s why:

1. Hello, Varicose Veins

Sitting for long periods, especially with your legs crossed, can turn you into a prime candidate for varicose veins. These are not just your grandma’s blue streaks of leg graffiti; they’re swollen and enlarged veins that no amount of concealer can hide. They occur when your veins start working as hard as a tired barista on Monday morning—except they’re not getting paid overtime and they will result in a trip to the doctor for varicose vein treatment. Keep those legs moving or elevated to keep the blood flowing smoothly and those veins less noticeable.

2. The Expanding Waistline Dilemma

Ever heard of the term “sitting disease”? Well, it’s a real thing, especially when your biggest movement of the day is reaching for the remote. Long periods of sitting can slow down your metabolism faster than a snail on a leisurely stroll, leading to weight gain. Even if you’re nailing it at the gym, hours of sitting could still be padding your waistline. Remember, a moving target is harder to hit, and in this case, the target is unwanted pounds.

3. Mood and Energy Levels

Ever notice how sitting through a long movie or meeting leaves you feeling more drained than if you’d run a 5K? That’s because sitting not only saps your energy but can also tank your mood. Physical activity releases endorphins, those feel-good hormones that make you feel like a rockstar. Without them, your mood might be as low as your step count for the day.

4. Risk of Chronic Diseases

Think of sitting as the silent contributor to a host of unwanted health sequels: heart disease, diabetes, and increased blood pressure. It’s like the villain in a horror movie—quietly lurking in the shadows, up to no good. Regularly swapping some sitting time for walking or standing can be a real plot twist in your body’s health narrative.

5. Back and Neck Pain, the Unwelcome Guests

Slouching in a chair can mess with your back and neck more than an unexpected plot twist in your favorite soap opera. Poor posture from sitting can lead to chronic pain, making it harder to do everyday activities or even get a good night’s sleep. Keep your spine happy and healthy by setting up an ergonomic workspace, and maybe throw in some stretching for a good measure.

6. How to Combat the Sitting Scourge

So, what can you do besides panic? Start with simple changes: stand up and move around every 30 minutes, try a standing desk, or hold walking meetings. Even pacing around while you’re on the phone can help. Think of your health as a savings account—the more deposits you make in the form of movement, the richer you’ll be in vitality.

Sit by all means, but remember that too much time on your behind is one of the sneakiest
Health hazards of all, and get up and move around as often as you can!