Combatting Desk Work Effects

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 80% of jobs in the United States are primarily sedentary.

Many of us spend eight to ten hours a day seated at a computer with minimal movement, only to later settle down on the couch in front of a larger screen.

Despite the advent of walking pads and under-the-desk treadmills during the COVID era, most people still spend long periods sitting, which adversely impacts mental health.

However, there is hope. A recent global State of Mind study by ASICS indicates that just 15 minutes of daily exercise can counteract the negative effects of sitting at a desk for extended periods.

The study found that when office workers incorporated just 15 minutes of physical activity into their daily routine, their mental well-being improved by 22.5%, raising their overall State of Mind scores from 62/100 to 76/100.

These scores were based on the average of nine cognitive and emotional traits, each rated out of 10.

These traits fell into two categories—cognitive and emotional—and included:

• Positive
  
  
• Confident
  
  
• Composed
  
  
• Resilient
  
  
• Relaxed
  
  
• Focused
  
  
• Calm
  
  
• Alert
  
  
• Energized
  
  

Dr. Brendon Stubbs from King's College London, who led The Desk Break Experiment, noted, "We've previously shown that just 15 minutes of leisure-time exercise can significantly improve people's State of Mind scores.

But what surprised us with the Desk Break experiment was how effective these 15-minute movement breaks were in enhancing well-being and reducing stress.

It even improved people's perceptions of their workplace."

Consider the people you know who work desk jobs from nine to five. It's likely that most take their lunch break around noon or 1 p.m., meaning they go several hours without moving.

Research shows that just two hours of uninterrupted sitting can drastically lower State of Mind scores and raise stress levels.

This isn't the first study to suggest that prolonged sitting is detrimental to health.

Another study published in January 2024 revealed that those who predominantly sit at work have a 16% higher risk of death and a 34% higher risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who don't spend as much time sitting.

The takeaway? Keep moving! Even if your job requires desk work all day, consider investing in a walking pad for your workspace, adding a Peloton to your holiday gift list, or simply taking a short walk during your lunch break while listening to a podcast.

The experts assure you; your mental health will benefit greatly.

Source: mensjournal

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.