You have probably heard of the dangers related to prolonged sitting. It’s been called the “new smoking”, a catchy phrase meant to associate the significant negative impact that sitting has on our physical health. Like the slow but progressive and additive impact of smoking, a lifetime of accumulated hours stuck in a seated position will lead to meaningful changes in our physiology with a wide range of implications for our physical autonomy. In recent weeks and months the dangers of prolonged sitting postures have been magnified by our disconnection from our normal work/life balance. The many that could, have shifted their work environments to home offices which in some cases means sitting in front of a laptop, crumpled in the nook of a once comfy couch. Even if we are lucky enough to have a more “ergonomic” set up, there are still meaningful consequences to extended periods of sitting. Of course with this situation there are many exciting opportunities to reevaluate our habitual patterns, keep what’s working but ditch what isn’t.
Over the next several posts we will be highlighting each major area of the body that’s affected by prolonged sitting postures. In doing so we hope to encourage and empower you to consciously move and change your habits for the better.
In the meantime consider this thought experiment… How many hours a day, week, month and year do you spend in a seated position? Compare this roughly between your pre-quarantine and quarantine behaviors. Whether “ergonomic” or not, those hours accumulate, at times exponentially. Sitting in the car, sitting at work, sitting at home, in the community, restaurants, events etc. Stand up! Stretch! Move! Breathe! And stay tuned for more…