Yes folks, it’s true.

As you sit at the keyboard, slogging away at all those important tasks, your computer is quietly killing you off.

If you don’t want to go the way of the Dodo or crumble to dust like the Sphinx, read on…

Sitting for long periods is well known to be bad for your health. As a programmer, in a previous life, hammering away at the keyboard for 16 hours a day – and drinking endless cups of coffee was usual.

It was considered computer geek ‘normality’.

But no more – as this infographic shows – it really is that bad, so I decided to do something about it.

What to Do?

It’s actually very easy to alleviate the problems of prolonged sitting – don’t do it! Use these steps to help keep moving and reap the benefits of becoming more active at work:

• Ensure good posture and ergonomics while you are sitting.
• Walk somewhere periodically. (Any moderate exercise for about 30 mins a day is good).
• Move the phone into a different room.
• Consider using a standing desk.
• Use the toilet on a different floor to the one where you work.
• Always use the stairs – never use the lift or escalators – if possible.
• Don’t keep bottled water at your desk – when your cup is empty you have to get up for a refill.
• If you sit near a water dispenser, use one from a different department, so you have to walk further. (You can also use the opportunity to catch up with colleagues).
• Use an App like Breaker to remind you to break up your day.
• Don’t use the phone to chat to a colleague – walk over to their desk instead.
• Drink more water. If you are properly hydrated, you will work more efficiently, get more done and a get an additional visit to the loo! (Hence walk more!)

These aren’t the only things you can do – but they are a starting point. From there, the options are endless – you could even ditch the ‘sitting lunch’ for a cycling one instead!

I started using a lot of these methods – and haven’t looked back.

You feel more alert, your concentration increases and you blast through difficult tasks easily. It really is life changing.