Whether we like it or not, we dedicate approximately one-third of our time to sitting in front of a computer and working.

Now that remote work drives the workforce, medical studies warn about workers who often spend significant portions of their eight-hour workday seated at a computer screen and keyboard.

Sedentary Behavior is The New Smoking

A recent study from the Mayo Clinic, led by preventive cardiologist Dr. Francisco Lopez-Jimenez, proposes that integrating active workstations, such as standing desks, into office environments could notably diminish prolonged sitting and boost mental cognition. The research underscores that incorporating movement throughout the workday also counteracts the health hazards caused by extended periods of sitting.

Prolonged sedentary behavior is nearly as detrimental to cardiovascular health as smoking a pack of cigarettes daily, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez said.

Brianna Doe, owner of the marketing agency Verbatim, shared the same sentiment, telling CNBC Make It that spending long periods sitting in front of a computer can affect one's work performance and mental health. 

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Supported by scientific research, a BMJ publication in 2022 also highlighted that prolonged periods of inactivity, even among individuals who exercise regularly, elevate the risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and premature death. Furthermore, a cohort study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders in January 2023 indicated that sedentary behavior also increases the likelihood of mental health issues such as depression.

The Benefits of an Active Workstation

While not everyone can take breaks for exercise, Dr. Lopez-Jimenez suggests an active workstation as a solution. 

Intermittently incorporating movement while alternating with sitting, whether responding to emails, engaging in video calls, or working on projects, allows users to maintain productivity while also burning calories.

According to him, integrating movement into office tasks traditionally performed through prolonged sitting is achievable, and active workstations could potentially enhance cognitive performance and overall health by encouraging movement during work.

In a study published on April 4 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, 44 participants were recruited to evaluate the impact of different office setups over four consecutive days.

Participants worked at a standard desk on the first day and used elevated desks, either standing, walking on a treadmill, or using a stepper for the following three days. Researchers discovered that typing speed experienced a slight decrease at active workstations. Still, typing accuracy remained unaffected, and cognitive function either improved or remained stable when participants were active during work. Participants also performed better on reasoning tests while standing, using a stepper, or walking compared to when they were sitting, as indicated by the study results.

These findings suggest additional methods for performing work while maintaining productivity and cognitive acuity. The study's senior author asserts that integrating active workstations into strategies aimed at preventing and managing conditions such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes could prove beneficial.

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