How to live longer: Avoid premature death by using this at work

As we begin 2019, many people will be attempting to lose weight by keeping up a gym routine or eating a healthier diet. While these are both essential to a long and healthy life, there are other things you can do to boost physical and mental wellbeing, while burning a few extra calories. For people who work every day, spending hours in the office may make it seem difficult to get enough exercise and keep up a healthy routine. But making a simple change to your work habits may help improve your health and boost productivity levels.

According to Varidesk – which makes standing desks – research has found sitting for eight hours per day can increase the the chance of premature death by 60 per cent.

On the other hand, using a standing desk increases productivity by 46 per cent, the company claims.

This is because standing more helps improve circulation, making you able to focus and concentrate, and can also help you burn up to 50 additional calories per hour.

This means standing for four hours of the working day burns an extra 200 calories, equating to 1,000 per week.

Medical website Healthline also notes choosing to stand instead of sitting can be beneficial for burning calories, and that standing at your desk instead of sitting can burn an extra 1,000 calories per week.

According to Varidesk, standing up more during the day can also reduce the chance of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers.

Regarding diabetes, Healthline states this is because using a standing desk may lower blood sugar levels.

According to the medical website, a small study of ten office workers standing for 180 minutes after lunch saw a reduction in blood sugar spikes by 43 per cent, compared to those who sat for the same length of time.

In addition, standing desks can help improve posture, reducing strain on the neck, arms and lower back.

In one study, participants reported up to a 32 per cent improvement in lower back pain after several weeks of using standing desks, reports Healthline.

“Studies have found a strong link between increased sitting time and early death,” said Healthline.

“The only way to get your health to where you want to be it is to make meaningful, long-term lifestyle changes,” said Varidesk.

“There are many little changes that can help, from drinking two litres of water per day, to having a little walk on your lunch break.”

“It’s hard to focus on health when you are at work, as most people are sat all day, this just makes you feel tired and groggy, but isn’t actually burning calories or energy in a way to be healthy.”

The NHS recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week to stay fit and healthy, or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity.

This should be incorporated alongside strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscles.