To prevent the coronavirus from spreading further, social-distance policies were implemented, with non-essential staff being instructed to work from home. This has profoundly altered our daily lives – we’ve said goodbye to commuting and hello to wearing sweats all day. However, a sedentary lifestyle for an extended length of time can be harmful to both physical and mental health.
Working from home may make it simpler to focus on your work (there are no workplace interruptions), but many of us may lose track of time. We’ve been sitting in the same chair, in the same position, for hours on end before we realize it. Here are some examples of how lack of physical activity might harm your overall health.
1. It may lead to thrombophlebitis
You are more likely to spend the majority of your time sitting if you work from home. This can result in thrombophlebitis, which is characterized by blood clots in leg veins and inflammation of the surrounding tissue. Sitting for extended periods of time raises the risk of blood pooling in leg veins, which can result in blood clots.
Deep vein blood clots are dangerous because they can spread to the heart and lungs (deep venous thrombosis). The term superficial thrombophlebitis refers to blood clots that form in the surface veins. In addition to addressing other possible problems, you will need to treat your veins.
2. It may suppress your immune system
Working from home can lessen your risk of contracting the coronavirus, but if you don’t move your body during the day, your immune system will suffer. According to much research, sitting for as little as 30 minutes can have an impact on the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system, which is in charge of our immune system, requires movement in order to function. You are exposing yourself to the risk of catching a cold.
Take a few minutes to go for a fast walk, even if it’s simply around your block or in your backyard. You’re already doing a lot of good for your body if you keep your body active.
3. It might raise the risk of osteoporosis
The saying “use it or lose it” holds true. Sitting all day and not utilizing your major muscles might cause them to become weak and tight over time. Weak muscles can result in more fragile bones, raising the risk of falls and fractures. Actually, the less active you are, the more likely you are to get osteoporosis.
Take a quick break during your workday to complete a quick workout (or two). Micro workouts consist of 10-minute sweat sessions followed by one minute of high-intensity exercise. They may boost cardiovascular health and be as equally effective as a 45-minute session, according to research.
4. It might lead to serious conditions
It doesn’t feel like anything horrible is happening to your body when you’re focused and typing away at your workstation. However, sitting for long periods of time has been related to the development of a variety of ailments, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, blood clots, metabolic syndrome, and even mortality.
Lack of movement can cause poor blood circulation, and lack of physical activity has been related to high blood pressure and dangerous cholesterol levels. As a result, the risk of heart disease increases.
5. It might leave you with chronic pain
Sitting in one posture for an extended period of time can be quite unpleasant for your body. Because soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and fascia adapt to this, it results to an imbalance. The muscles that were in an elongated position will develop accustomed to this and will want to remain in that position.
The muscles that were previously shortened will develop accustomed to this and will desire to stay that way. As a result, your body has become fundamentally dysfunctional. This can result in poor posture and limited range of motion, leading to persistent pain in the neck, shoulder, and back.
