Whether at home, in the office, or relaxing at the beach, sitting too long can cause some frightening consequences for your health and well-being.
Researchers have found that a lack of physical activity caused by prolonged periods of sitting is linked to an increase risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cancer, obesity, and back pain. However, preventing these negative effects is simple: You must move more.
And while squeezing in physical activity throughout the day can be difficult, here’s a couple of ways to combat a sedentary lifestyle.
Standing Desk Riser
If you spend most of your day seated at a desk, consider a standing desk riser. The riser increases physical movement by breaking up the amount of time spent seated. Studies show that switching between the seated and standing positions during the day can yield several health benefits for the body, including increased mood and energy levels, better posture, reduced back pain—and it even helps to burn more calories. Other studies have linked quicker decline in blood sugar levels to standing after meals and a reduction in Heart Disease risk factors.
Anti-Fatigue Mats
If standing for long periods is difficult, consider pairing your standing desk riser with an anti-fatigue mat. While standing encourages movement, it can cause the muscles of the foot to be under constant pressure and stress, leading to serious discomfort in the feet, legs, and back. The anti-fatigue mat can reduce the pain caused by standing by allowing the feet to smoothly shift positions on a cushioned surface.
The combination of these two ergonomic tools will help you fight off pain and discomfort, while helping you maximize your health!