Sit-Less Strategies

Sitting too long is bad for you. But with a little creativity you can add more movement to your day. Try adding one or more of these tactics to your routine and make yourself more mobile.

1. Get vertical. Establish a routine of taking a break every half-hour. Use a computer alarm or app to remind you, then stand and stretch or take a quick stroll. For example, a five-minute stroll, research says, can undo the problems created in your lower legs by one hour of sitting.
2. Making a phone call?Using a headset or speaker-phone, stand as you talk; if possible, walk around your office.
3. Switch to a height-adjustable desk — either make or buy one (if your office environment allows it) — so you can alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
4. Get moving! Make meetings active, turning them into walking meetings or at least standing during meetings. If you’re attending a presentation, position yourself at the back of the room so you can stand.
5. Instead of sending an email (unless absolutely essential), walk over to your intended recipient and have a conversation.
6. Whenever people enter your office, stand to greet them. Keep standing as long as possible.
7. Consider sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair. The ball activates a significant number of muscles.
8. Drink more water, coffee or tea so you have to pee more, which thus forces you to get up.