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More than half of people working from home estimate they are sitting down for an average of two hours and 40 minutes longer per day, a new survey has found.<\/p>\nMore than half of people working from home estimate they are sitting down for an average of two hours and 40 minutes longer per day, a new survey has found.<\/p>\n
The survey found that more than half of all workers in Ireland have been able to work from home since coronavirus restrictions began, with 53% of them sitting down for longer than when in the office or their usual place of work.<\/p>\n
And one in four of those who are sitting for longer are remaining sedentary for at least three hours more than previously, the research found.<\/p>\n
The Irish Heart Foundation, which commissioned the survey, has warned of the dangers of sitting down for long periods and has called for workers to move for a minute each hour during the working day.<\/p>\n
Tara Curran, physical activity coordinator with the Irish Heart Foundation, said that sitting at work all day can increase a person\u2019s risk of heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs working from home and video meetings become the norm, workers are increasingly tied to their laptops for hour after hour,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are urging them to get up and move regularly during their working day and would like to see employers make an effort to shorten meeting times on videoconferencing.\u201d<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted as part of the Irish Heart Foundation\u2019s Escape Your Chair Heart Month campaign which encourages the public to move for a minute each hour during the day as a way to kick-start their daily exercise.<\/p>\n
Campaign ambassador, fitness expert and broadcaster Karl Henry said that moving regularly counteracts the negative effects of sitting down.<\/p>\n
\u201cWorkers who find themselves sitting down for longer can kick-start their daily exercise by making sure to stand up and move away from the desk for a minute each hour during the working day,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
\u201cBeing physically active can release endorphins that can help relieve stress, boost mood, and improve self-esteem.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we find ourselves in a stressful situation at work, a quick stroll can help clear our heads while also helping our hearts and reducing our sitting time.\u201d<\/p>\n
The charity has called on the public to join it on World Heart Day, Tuesday September 29, by hosting a virtual or socially distant Stand Up to Heart Disease Coffee Morning.<\/p>\n
Funds raised will help the charity\u2019s work in fighting cardiovascular disease in communities and schools and in providing support services to those living with heart disease and stroke.<\/p>\n