Maybe you’ve noticed the bad press the simple act of sitting has been getting over the past few years. In fact, our modern way of life that includes nearly 8 hours (if not more) of sitting daily might contribute to many ailments and, according to some, our early demise.

In 2011, a New York Times article asks the question “Is Sitting a Lethal Activity?” and a quick search with the words sitting + health turn up a variety of research and information regarding how the act of sitting affects our health. A recent report on NPR draws a line between increased sedentary time and heart failure.

This PDF from the Washington Post clearly outlines how sitting affects us and gives us a few simple actions to help balance the time spent sitting.

As for me, I would love to reduce the amount of hours I spend in a chair and at a computer, yet find it necessary for productivity and work. Such a double edge! At least I can pledge to get up often, take walks 30 minutes daily and stand when on the phone to help alleviate the stress sitting puts on my body… and a little yoga as often as possible will help, too.

After reading these articles and researching the woes of sitting this song just might be my new anthem: