The daily routine of a large part of the population involves long hours performing repetitive and exhausting tasks. In a scenario where productivity is increasingly stimulated, sedentary lifestyle at work only increases.
This is because concerns about physical and mental health end up taking a backseat so that professional results can be achieved.
But what will be the consequences of this reversal of priorities?
In today’s article we will tell you. Follow until the end!
What is a sedentary lifestyle and how is it classified?
By definition, a sedentary lifestyle is characterized by irregular, insufficient or non-existent physical activity.
Therefore, even a person who exercises can present one of the 4 degrees of sedentary lifestyle if the activities are not managed properly.
For example, anyone who occasionally takes short, discreet walks belongs to the so-called “Sedentarism Level 1” . Meanwhile, people who sit or lie down and never exercise fall into “Sedentarism Level 4” .
Are you sedentary? How to know?
As we can see, sedentary lifestyle levels worsen as less physical activity is performed. So this is an excellent way to analyze how active you are or are not.
However, there are symptoms that may indicate that an individual is sedentary , such as:
- Intense tiredness for no apparent reason;
- Reduction in muscle strength;
- Episodes of snoring and sleep apnea;
- Joint pain;
- Accumulation of body fat.
What are the impacts of a sedentary lifestyle at work?
Among the countless negative effects caused by a sedentary lifestyle, both in personal and professional life, we can mention the 5 main ones:
1. Discouragement
Some hormones, such as endorphin and dopamine, responsible for promoting well-being, are released during physical exercise. Therefore, sedentary people do not have this powerful benefit.
Not infrequently, a sedentary lifestyle at work worsens cases of depression, discouragement and lack of motivation , which reduces performance and, obviously, affects quality of life.
2. Absenteeism
Certainly, it is not difficult to predict that the lack of physical exercise increases the number of absences in the company. After all, with impaired health, it is natural that the employee will not be able to work .
Therefore, payroll expenses grow, resulting in the need for temporary hires. Or, worse than that, the team becomes overloaded, causing a drop in the quality of services.
3. Reduced productivity
As we have already mentioned, a sedentary lifestyle harms the worker’s performance.
Thus, productivity ends up being reduced and even if he doesn’t need to be absent, performance drops and he is unable to have the focus and agility that he would have if he were well.
4. Muscle and joint problems
Without exercising, many employees develop muscle pain, joint inflammation and back problems.
Repetitive tasks and long hours in the same position — usually incorrect — cause several occupational diseases. That is why it is so important, for example, that the company promotes work exercises.
5. Weight gain and obesity
Practicing physical exercise can be decisive in preventing obesity. Furthermore, other serious diseases can be avoided by reducing weight and fat levels in the body, such as:
- Myocardial infarction;
- CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident);
- Arterial hypertension;
- Type 2 diabetes.
How can a sedentary lifestyle be minimized?
Fortunately, there are different alternatives that help you have a more active daily life. Some solutions involve specific training, weight training, Pilates, swimming, some types of sports and gymnastics at work.
However, small changes in habits can help to reverse a sedentary lifestyle at work.
Check out some examples below:
Try to stretch
Don’t give up taking breaks throughout the day to stretch , as this can help reduce tension in your body and mind. Move your fingers, wrists, stretch your arms, legs and relax your neck .
Give preference to stairs
Leave laziness aside and swap the elevator for the stairs whenever possible.
After all, going up and down a few steps — as long as your knees are healthy, of course — can increase muscular and cardiovascular endurance, as well as promote weight loss .
Leave the car in the garage
A valid tip is that companies have bathrooms with showers. This way, anyone who lives close to work can cycle to and from work without having to spend the entire working day sweating.
Another idea is that some campaigns and flexibility are carried out in the workplace to encourage the use of public transport. This way, at least part of the journey can be done on foot.
In short, there are several strategies that can be adopted in order to minimize a sedentary lifestyle at work.
Therefore, it is essential, for both employees and companies, that measures are taken. With this, business results can be favored and the physical and mental integrity of the team preserved!