Many studies have looked at the adverse effects of sitting for many hours on overall health — and many products (hello, treadmill desk) have been created to combat it.
But the answer may just be fidgeting while you work, according to a new study.
Fidgeting — crossing and uncrossing your legs, tapping your fingers, scooting around in your chair — all can help fight the increased risk of mortality associated with spending long periods sitting.
In the study done on women by researchers at the University of Leeds in the UK, only women who considered themselves very occasional fidgeters saw an increased risk of death from sitting for long period.
Women who said they fidgeted during the day while sitting for long periods saw no increased risk of death, compared to more active women.
Interestingly, the researchers write that even people who get the recommended amount of exercise and sleep each day could spend the vast majority of the day sitting.
Too much sitting is linked with heart disease and cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. It also has been tied to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat and abnormal cholesterol.
Of course, getting up and walking around is always a good idea. The Mayo Clinic suggests trying to fit a little motion into your day by standing up when you are eating lunch or talking on the phone, and taking walks with coworkers rather than meeting in a conference room.
