Sofia Galiano | Staff Writer
I can bet you one thing: we are all going to die. I can also bet you are resting on your left elbow at a desktop as you read these lines.
In today’s world, we are either hunched over a bright computer screen, slouched in a classroom, commuting in our cars or frankly, on the toilet for prolonged periods of time. And likewise, we are preparing for our funerals much sooner than necessary.
Sitting down for hours on end is the inevitable life-constraining epidemic of our culture.
However, research shows that remaining stationary day in and day out can damage our health and shorten our life spans; some even compare its effects to smoking although I too thought it was an exaggeration.
Even for someone who is in shape and remains active – I did volleyball, track and tennis in high school, finished first in my wave for the FIU Night Color 5K in under 20 minutes, and now bike about 15 miles daily – the negative effects of sitting down are still noticeable.
From the time I wake at 7 a.m. until the time I get ready for bed at 9 p.m., my eyes, neck, shoulders and back ache from computer vision syndrome and from being hunched over in a chair all day long.
That means for most of the day my body is immobile. Doing this for nearly a week “increases plasma triglycerides (fatty molecules), LDL cholesterol (a.k.a. bad cholesterol), and insulin resistance” as sited on Lifehacker.com, which can’t be healthy.
Just think back to our caveman days. We would hunt and gather our food, run from predators and do other things to flaunt our bipedalism, unlike we do today.
Now our butts rest on a barstool as greasy burgers and fries are served to us. We sit on park benches watching children run by, wondering where they get all their energy. Some of us maybe even envy those in wheelchairs because at least they don’t have the burden of standing.
Stop the madness.
Remind yourself to pee at least once an hour while binge watching your favorite show on Netflix and get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day.
I know the struggles of having a workspace that also serves as an entertainment hub – we all do living in a social media and viral video-crazed society.
But next time you are sitting down, remember the wise words of Dwight K. Schrute from The Office: “Standing is proven to be healthier, increases productivity and just looks cooler. Picture someone doing something heroic. Now was he sitting or standing?”
opinion@fiusm.com
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