Active tips when you have a sedentary job

Being physically active is important for your overall wellbeing and for disease prevention, but if you have a sedentary job, this can be difficult. It's not always easy squeezing in a workout or long walk when you're working at a desk all day. Even if you do motivate yourself to exercise after work, moving during the day is still important. When we sit for long periods our blood sugar levels can rise and over time this could make us less sensitive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar.

So, what can you do if you sit down all day at a desk but want to increase your physical activity and support your health? Here are some top tips for you.

Do desk stretches

Sitting down all day can cause your muscles to become stiff and tight, especially if you're hunched over a computer for hours at a time. This stiffness and tightness can lead to aches and pains that are uncomfortable to deal with and could put you off working out.

When you've got some spare time in between tasks and meetings at your work desk (or in your office at home), leave your phone in your bag and avoid sitting at your work desk scrolling on social media. Instead, get up out of your chair and perform some stretches.

There are lots of easy stretches that you can do by your desk or even while you're still sitting in your chair. You can stretch a different part of your body each time you have a short break at work, so by the end of the day, you've done a full-body stretching routine.

Walk around the block once every hour

Try getting up on a regular basis and walking around the block, or even around the office if you work in a large office space. It’s a great way to move your body and refresh your mind during a long workday and can make a difference in your health and wellbeing while boosting your concentration and focus at work.

Get a standing desk

Standing desks have become hugely popular over the last few years. The height of a standing desk can be adjusted so you can stand or sit, meaning you can change your working position throughout the day.

Alternate between a sitting and a standing position for maximum comfort and health benefits.