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Crazy Things That Happen To Your Body When You Sit Too Long

sitting

Sitting for long periods can have a serious effect on your health, including things like heart disease, back pain, and even premature death.

In this article, we've compiled some research so that you can find out what might happen to your body if you don't get up and move around.

How long is too long?


When you sit for long periods, your body can start to experience some pretty crazy things. For one, your blood flow can start to slow down, which can cause you to feel lightheaded or dizzy. Additionally, sitting for too long can cause your muscles to tense up, which can lead to pain in your back, neck, and shoulders. And if you're sitting in an uncomfortable position, you may start to experience numbness or tingling in your legs and feet.

So how long is too long? It depends on the individual. Some people can sit for hours without any problems, while others may start to experience symptoms after just 30 minutes. If you find that you're starting to feel any discomfort after sitting for a while, it's best to take a break and move around for a few minutes. Trust us, your body will thank you!

The Negative Effects of Sitting Too Long


When you sit for long periods, your body goes into a state of “rest and digest” mode. This is the mode where your body is designed to heal and repair itself. But when you’re constantly in this mode, your body doesn’t have a chance to properly heal and repair itself.

Sitting too much can also lead to weight gain. And if you’re sitting in front of a screen, you may be snacking more often than you realize. All of these extra calories can add up and lead to weight gain.

When you sit, your spine is in a fixed position, which can lead to muscle imbalances and joint problems. If you already have back or neck pain, sitting too much can make it worse.

Finally, sitting too much has been linked to an increased risk of death from all causes, including heart disease and cancer. One study found that people who sat for more than 11 hours a day had a 40% increased risk of dying within the next three years . Even if you exercise regularly, sitting too much can cancel out the health benefits of being active.

Alternatives to Sitting Too Long


Sitting for long periods can have some severe consequences for your health. Here are a few alternatives to sitting that can help you stay healthy:

  1. Stand up and move around every 20 minutes or so. This will help keep your blood flowing and prevent it from pooling in your legs.
  2. Invest in a standing desk, or create one yourself.
  3. Take frequent breaks to walk around and stretch your muscles. This will help reduce stiffness and pain in your back, neck, and shoulders.
  4. Try yoga or Pilates exercises that can be done while seated in a chair. These gentle movements can help keep your body active and improve your flexibility.
  5. Make sure to get up and move around for at least 5 minutes every hour. This will help increase your overall activity level and reduce the risk of developing health problems from sitting too much.

Conclusion


We hope this article has helped you to understand some of the crazy things that can happen to your body when you sit too long. If you find yourself sitting for long periods, make sure to take breaks and move around as much as possible. Your body will thank you for it!

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