If you’re sitting down, don’t sit still, new research suggests

According to the text as well as class lectures and notes there are many negative health consequences for having a sedentary lifestyle. Consequences include the increased likelihood of developing heart diseases, obesity, osteoporosis as well as having high blood pressure which all links itself towards an increased mortality rate. It has also been noted that those who live sedentary lifestyles are more likely to feel anxiety and have depression like symptoms.

The study found that those who consider themselves as “moderately” to “very fidgety” do not have a higher risk of mortality compared to women who are more active. The article also compares fidgeting with breaks in sitting time which are known to improve physical health benchmarks such as one’s BMI score and the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar.

Fidgeting in society generally has negative associations. People who fidget a lot are often viewed as rude or someone who lacks concentration and focus. Unfortunately, fidgeting can be a distraction to those around you, either by the creation of noise or simply from the small movements which can catch the eyes of others. I have often been asked to stop fidgeting when I am studying with friends which I oblige. Have they known that fidgeting may be beneficial to one’s health perhaps they would start fidgeting themselves. I hope that one day it will be more socially acceptable to fidget and that everyone will do it.

I do consider myself a person who fidgets a lot. Ever since I was young I have always lived a very active lifestyle and so I detest sitting in one spot for very long periods of time. This has been the case in my last internship over the summer at an accounting firm where I had to be in front of a computer for eight hours a day. I’m glad that fidgeting may have physical benefits as being healthy is something I value heavily. I will also continue taking short breaks to stand up and stretch periodically at the job which is something the firm encourages.

University of Leeds. "If you’re sitting down, don’t sit still, new research suggests." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 September 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/09/150923083415.htm>.