I returned to my online post as a college writing instructor this week. The first week back included some meetings, professional development, a welcome address from our college president, and a guest lecturer. All of these meant hours of sitting — three full days of sitting.
I am a very active person who is walking or gardening or moving in some form as much as I can. I might move more slowly, but at least I am limber and in motion. The days of sitting totally wiped me out. I have tried to figure out why because many people say that sitting is easy and natural. However, for me, my muscles tense and my joints become stiff. In addition, the cognitive labor of listening and connecting the lectures to my own practice entailed a lot of energy expenditure.
To combat this situation, I drank more water, moved when I could before and after the day’s work, and went to bed before 7 p.m. Ahhhhh, I am in love with my mattress.
I am mindful of my need for movement, and I need to stretch and bend with my seat yoga while I am in my work chair. I just need to be intentional and just need to do it.
Take a look at this infographic from 2011 about the dangers of sitting. It should make us all think about how we spend our time.
MS Fortunate 