Sitting for Long Periods After Eating Could Cause Heart Problems

If you work in an office, chances are you sit for long periods. And while studies show that sitting for a long time leads to a number of health risks, here’s another motivating factor to get you out of your chair and moving.

According to a study in the “Journal of Clinical Lipidology,” sitting for long periods after meals (think: going to work after a big breakfast, eating lunch at your desk) causes a rise in triglycerides (fats in your blood), which is associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

The study concluded that taking regular activity breaks will not only aid your metabolism, but may keep your heart healthier.

Here are a few ways to get out of your chair throughout the day.

Drink more water throughout the day

Drinking more water is not only good for you, but it means you’ll have to get up and go to the bathroom more. Depending on how far your desk is from the restroom, this could mean a significant amount of steps and standing.

Do some laps

Set an alarm on your phone to go off every 30 minutes. When the alarm goes off, do some laps around the office. Bonus points if you do lunges while you lap, or add some jumping jacks.

Take the stairs

Have a meeting on the third floor? Work on the second floor? Opt to take the stairs instead of the elevator when you arrive, leave or have a meeting on another floor. Not only is taking the stairs great lower body (and booty) work, but it will get your blood pumping, too.

Have a walking meeting

Instead of sitting around a table in a stuffy room or crammed in your cubicle, ask your boss if you two can take your weekly meeting outside with a walk around the building. Or, if you’re joining a call, pop in your headphones and head out into the sunshine.

Ask for a standing desk

While this option is not always available—or inexpensive—check with your supervisor about getting a standing work station at your desk. Just don’t overuse this standing option, as it could cause pain and discomfort in your back.

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