Being sedentary for a long time can lead to issues and diseases in multiple organs and body systems. As far as the skeleton is concerned, excessive sitting causes permanent imbalances in one’s neck, makes the spine inflexible and herniated, and is responsible for the development of osteoporosis (Berkowitz & Clark, 2014). The process also increases the risk of heart diseases, diabetes, and colon cancer (Berkowitz & Clark, 2014). The brain processes become slow along with the chemical exchange (Berkowitz & Clark, 2014). Furthermore, the muscles become affected: the abdominal ones, which leads to alterations in posture, hips, impacting one’s balance, and glutes, hurting the overall stability (Berkowitz & Clark, 2014). Altogether, long sitting may cause devastating health effects, damaging many parts of the body.
Moving and exercising can offset the sedentary lifestyle’s negative effects, although their degree depends on one’s goals. Standing alone is beneficial for halting the processes caused by sitting, while daily walking further makes one healthier (Rasmus, 2012). If one wishes to be fit, then some overload in physical activity is necessary (Rasmus, 2012). However, it does not matter if a person is actively exercising or simply making circles in the office, as the positive outcome is mostly the same (Rasmus, 2012). Thus, one may regulate the degree of fitness according to their needs, although any amount of it inherently benefits one’s health.
From the suggestions, I am partial to the idea of standing in intervals, as it is simple, achievable at home, and can be done while lost in studies or other activities. I already do some walking around the room, especially when I feel my shoulders or legs are stiff. I want to exercise more intensively to be fit and stop worrying about potentially gaining weight, but it is not always possible due to exhaustion from mental activities. Overall, the articles are revelatory, making me seriously consider more measures against those health effects.
References
Berkowitz, B., & Clark, P. (2014). The health hazards of sitting. The Washington Post. Web.
Rasmus, J. (2012). What you’re probably doing now is killing you. The Active Times. Web.