Activity throughout the work day is crucial for your health.

Sitting for 8-9 hours per day is known to have negative impacts on one’s weight, mood, and health. Sitting for extended periods of time increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, or buildup of plaque in the arteries, depression, and obesity. There are multiple ways to combat being sedentary such as treadmill desks and standing workstations, but these require an initial investment. These costly options might not be your only choice, a new study from the November issue of the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical activity revealed 5-minute walks every hour improved mood, fatigue, and food cravings more so than a 30-minute walk before work or being sedentary. Implementing 5-minutes of activity has multiple benefits to various important aspects of health.

How can you incorporate five minutes of activity every hour into your day? Run an errand which requires five minutes of walking; stretching at your desk; walking in place while you place a phone call or read an article; or leg lifts under your desk.

For more information on the study, click here. 

Author

Mackenzie Bannister