If you sit all day at the office, you are shortening your life… really! That’s because according to researchers, sitting can be just as bad for you as smoking. Let me explain.
A 14-year study recently published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that healthy men and women who sat more than six hours a day died earlier than people who sat for 3 hours a day or less.
“Sitting is more dangerous than smoking, kills more people than HIV and is more treacherous than parachuting. We are sitting ourselves to death,” said Dr. James Levine, director of the Mayo Clinic-Arizona State University Obesity Solutions Initiative and inventor of the treadmill desk, which is a combination of a treadmill and stand up desk.
Researchers have also found that sitting for long periods of time increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, heart disease and different types of cancer.
Just like smoking, the only way to avoid the side effects of frequent sitting is by eliminating it. Instead, practice ergonomics, or the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment. Here are some ways to make sure your office has an ergonomically friendly design:
- PROPER TOOLS & SUPPORT – Always ensure you have the tools to work comfortably and free from pain. That starts with your chair. The best ergonomic chair conforms to your back, but also easily adjusts and reclines for lumbar support. If you sit for long periods of time, it’s important to invest in a good chair, like the ones made by manufacturer Humanscale. “The first time I used the Humanscale Liberty Chair, I felt immediate relief from my back pain. The arm rests are extremely soft and I like that they are adjustable,” said Elena Reichenberger, office assistant at Brigade Bookkeeping in Miami, Florida.
Elena & her Liberty Chair
- REACH – Reaching for a computer mouse, pencils, files and other office products can lead to muscle strain by taking the body out of a supported posture. To avoid this, have your tools and work materials within easy reach to improve performance and avoid injuries.
- MOVE CONSTANTLY – Don’t sit, get up and move! Another new study administered at Purdue University in Indiana and published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology divided nearly 200 people into four groups at four different workstations: a standard seated desk, a standing desk, a treadmill desk, and a cycling desk. The results showed people who worked at a treadmill desk, not only burned off extra calories, but stated they were less bored, less stressed and more satisfied then those at a seated desk. Those that were more engaged were more productive.
“I love this desk! I’m working out, while cranking out higher quality client work! Thank you Steve for changing my life!”
said Elizabeth.
My client, Elizabeth Manso of Brigade Bookkeeping, agrees. She walks 3.3 miles an hour on her treadmill desk while working.
- VISION – If you have trouble seeing your computer screen because it’s too far away, then your workstation needs adjustment. Poor vision can lead to eyestrain and poor posture. Make sure your monitor is the correct distance away for optimal viewing. You should also have a good lamp to light up the monitor and any paper documents you are using.
- BREATHING – Believe it or not, indoor air quality is a factor in a proper ergonomic workstation, but most companies and office workers completely overlook it. Investing in a good air purifier can make your environment pollutant free and provide the cleanest air possible. This could keep workers healthier and away from the doctor’s office.
So now that you know sitting is killing you, it’s time to do something about it. Stand up and walk around frequently and use the basics of ergonomics to create a proper workstation for you and your employees.
Here’s to living a long and healthy life!