3 Signs You Need To Be Working Less And Working Out More

You know that feeling when your legs are sore and stiff because you've been sitting on a chair in front of a computer all day long and haven't really had the chance to move? Well, you shouldn't. That right there is the single most harmful thing you're doing to yourself. In fact, several studies have found that those who sat for more than eight hours a day with no physical activity face risks that are similar to the risks posed by obesity and smoking. While working at your job is essential and a non-negotiable for most, balancing the hours of sitting with enough physical activity is even more important. Remember, if you're not in good health, little else will matter in the time to come. And no physical activity does mean ill-health, eventually.

Here are a few signs you need to be working less and working out more.

Also Read: 3 Reasons Taking A Lunch Break Is Actually Good For You

1. Taking the stairs leaves you feeling out of breath

On the odd day when the elevator in your office is out of service and you need to walk up a flight of stairs, you find yourself huffing and puffing just walking up to reach your desk. Unless you're walking up multiple floors at a decently fast pace, that should most certainly not be the case. It's your body's way of telling you you need to up your fitness game. Take it seriously.

2. You always feel sluggish and tired at the end of the day

The first thing you want to do after you're done with work for the day, is head back home and get into bed - and probably eat dinner there too. That's because you haven't moved all day. You were glued to your computer and barely got up to go to the washroom. As counterintuitive as it may sound, sitting for long hours (especially in front of a screen) doesn't conserve energy, but rather burns you out. Make sure to keep moving, even if at a leisurely pace, every 30 minutes to avoid that.

3. Your body feels sore, even though you haven't worked out

Sitting for long periods of time can cause muscle atrophy. Muscle atrophy is when muscles waste away due to a lack of physical activity. When you're not using your lower body at all, you're weakening the muscles in that region. Your lower body is what carries you around; without strong and stable muscles in your lower body, you risk injuring yourself far more.