In recent years, scientific studies have demonstrated that leading a sedentary lifestyle is dangerous and even deadly. To deal with jobs that required long stretches of sitting, some employees have turned to a walking desk to get in a workout while at work. This article explains the benefits and drawbacks of investing in a walking desk.
Studies show that walking is more effective for reducing stress and improving mood than the most popular prescription medications on the market today. This is because exercise affects the brain by increasing levels of mood enhancing chemicals, including dopamine and serotonin. Recent studies indicate that exercise can also help individuals control anger. These are intersting findings for Americans who often request prescriptions from their doctors.
Nathaniel Thom, a physiologist specializing in stress, recently presented the results of a study in Baltimore at a sports medicine conference that showed exercise prevents anger from building up to uncontrollable levels.
Studies in animals show a link between aggression and low serotonin levels. Studies involving rats show that serotonin levels increase with exercise. In humans, there is a link between mood disorders and low levels of serotonin.
Individuals who suffer with bouts of anger should be as active as possible. Anyone who knows they are entering a situation that can be stressful should exercise beforehand and continue to stay active for the remainder of the day.
This may be good advice but the average person living in the United States may find it difficult to follow. Only about 30% of workers in the United States have a job that keeps them active throughout the day while the rest earn a living sitting behind a desk in an office. When factoring in a two-hour commute to and from work and time spent sitting in front of the television, the effects on overall health are devastating.
Using a walking desk is an effective solution because workers can walk around while doing their assigned tasks. Many big companies are now providing workers with treadmill desks to counteract the negative effects sedentary jobs have on employee health. Dr. Thom believes that this type of work environment will be healthier overall because the exercise will reduce anger, anxiety and stress among all employees.
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