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*Editor\u2019s Note: The \u201cViews from NAU\u201d blog series highlights the thoughts of different people affiliated with NAU, including faculty members sharing opinions or research in their areas of expertise. The views expressed reflect the authors\u2019 own personal perspectives.<\/em><\/p>\n Most Americans sit for prolonged periods of time to complete their work. Then we go home or move from one room to another if working remotely and sit to relax. Even if you make time to work out, walk, jog or hike, how long you sit during the day can negate the benefits of exercise.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Many have experienced the negative side effects of sitting too long, including weight gain, sore back and neck, stiff legs or tightness in the hips. Sustained sitting also is linked to other health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, generalized muscle weakness, varicose veins, cancer and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Our cardiovascular system suffers from lack of stimulation, which may increase a person\u2019s risk for heart attack and stroke. The possibility of depression and anxiety may also be compounded while sitting for long periods of time. Due to the 90-degree angle most office chairs place our hips in, our hips stop moving within a full range of motion. Our nation has a high prevalence for total hip replacements due to stiffness and osteoarthritis that occur over time.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Your risk for developing physical and emotional issues increases if you sit for 4-8 hours per day. This escalates drastically if you sit for 8-11+ hours throughout a single day, regardless of if you engage in the recommended 30 minutes of exercise per day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>If you are computer-bound due to work or school duties, you can make small changes that may have profound effects in the long run. The first phase in varying your practices is to become self-aware of the current habits. The next steps are gradual implementation of that change, until finally you are in the maintenance phase, where the change is now permanent and the \u201cnew\u201d habit.\u00a0 It is never too late to change a habit in the favor of your personal health. Our bodies are made to move and the more you move, the easier it gets.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Try to choose as many activities that you can from the list to alter your sitting patterns during the day.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>If there are aches and pains that prohibit you from becoming more active, consider speaking to a physical therapist who can evaluate and provide exercises and stretches to combat the issue. NAU\u2019s DPT program offers pro bono clinic services in the fall and spring semesters that are run by students and overseen by licensed physical therapists.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Becoming more active during the day also may spark your creativity and provide you with a new, and possibly outdoor, perspective. Trust the process and know that the small efforts can have the largest impacts. Share with coworkers what works and what doesn\u2019t, so that you have someone in your corner to keep you accountable. Keep including others around you\u2014physical and mental health is extremely important for all of us to remember and it helps to have a team around you for support!<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\nBy Dr. <\/strong>Stephanie Garrison<\/h3>\n
Assistant Clinical Professor, PT Program<\/h3>\n
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