If you are a remote worker or freelancer with a home office, you know that a sedentary lifestyle can have a significant impact on your health. Sitting in front of your computer all day can lead to weight gain, back pain, and a myriad of long-term health issues. For this reason, it is vital that you take action to counteract the immobility of working in front of a computer. So, in today’s guide, we are going to examine 5 ways to effectively counteract a sedentary lifestyle and improve your overall health!
Take Hourly Movement Breaks
Generally speaking, you should always try to take 5-10 minute breaks for every 50 minutes you work. This means that once every hour, you should get up and move around. Not only will this help recharge your batteries both mentally and physically, but it will also ensure that you don’t stay seated for too long. Oddly enough, this can help you be even more productive at work!
Reduce Your Caloric Intake
By definition, a sedentary lifestyle means that you are moving less than you should. It also means that you are burning fewer calories. To counteract this, you should work to reduce your caloric intake. You may be tempted to have snacks and large portions during meals, but if you’re not moving a lot, your body just doesn’t need the extra calories. If you’re struggling to cut down on the extra calories, research some of the best appetite suppressant pills on the market.
Consider a Standing Desk
People have mixed feelings about standing desks, but staying seated for hours on end really is one of the main reasons that the world is facing an obesity crisis. With a standing desk, you force yourself to be on your feet while you work. This can help burn more calories, reduce back pain, improve posture, and generally prevent you from falling into a completely sedentary work life.
Get Adequate Sleep
A lack of sleep can lead to many different health issues. If you combine inadequate sleep with limited movement, you are inviting both physical and mental health problems. For example, people who do not exercise frequently and get limited sleep are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and low energy.
Dedicate Part of Your Free Time to Exercise
While it may seem like obvious advice, many people who spend most of their time sitting or lying down simply don’t schedule time for exercise. You might feel like you don’t have enough free time or that you prefer to spend your free time doing more enjoyable activities. However, exercise is the best way to counteract and completely overcome the issues of a sedentary lifestyle. Even if you can only work in an hour or two of exercise per week can make a huge difference for your mind and body.
Did you enjoy our guide on 5 ways to counteract a sedentary lifestyle? If so, be sure to check out some of our other posts on Digital Railroad today!
