April 2025 - On Your Feet Britain
- Hot Topics
- Apr 4
- 7 min read
This month’s Hot Topic skips the formal introduction and presents a small, interactive "challenge". If the reader (you) have been in one place for the past 25 minutes, stand up slowly and use the time saved to move around slightly, perhaps grabbing a drink of water before reading further.
The reason for this abrupt interlude shall soon become apparent, I promise.
Most people spend most of their day moving from one seat to the next without realising it. They wake up perched on the edge of the bed in the morning to rub the sleep out of their eyes, sit in the bathroom to freshen up, sit during daily commutes via the preferred mode of transport, sit down at a desk to work, sit once again to get back home and conclude the day by sinking back into the sofa to unwind in front of the TV...
In such a fast-paced world, sitting has become almost second nature as everyone is guilty of parking their posterior someplace comfortable at some point. Not to spark existential dread, but humans evolved as bipeds, meaning our bodies are built for movement.
While prehistoric predators no longer threaten survival, this new normality of prolonged inactivity still has consequences and potential dangers—so much so that experts compare the health risks to those of smoking.
One key danger of staying idle is obesity, as remaining stationary makes it harder for the body to use and burn fat effectively.
About On Your Feet Britain
That is where On Your Feet Britain comes in. This campaign will take place in the latter part of this month, on the 24th of April, and encourage people to give their rump a rest and shift to standing up and moving around, even just for a short while.
Initially launched in 2014 by health experts and wellness advocates, this campaign aims to raise awareness of the dangers of excessive sitting and promote simple, achievable changes to incorporate more movement into everybody’s daily routine at work, even when standing up is not an option!
Sitting a bit too comfortably? This will not stand.
Sitting for extended periods causes numbness and discomfort and also affects respiration, metabolism, blood circulation, and posture.
For instance, when the body is idle, calorie burning slows down, leading to the aforementioned risk of obesity. But the dangers do not stop there, as it can also contribute to four common cardiovascular problems, including:
Heart Attacks (Myocardial Infarction/MI)
If you think someone might be having a heart attack, Call 999 immediately – do not leave it to chance. The faster you act, the better the odds of survival become.
The heart is an essential muscle that pumps blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients, to all other organs. It requires a consistent oxygen supply delivered through the coronary arteries to keep beating. When those arteries get blocked due to plaque or clots, the heart becomes strained while deprived of oxygen. If left untreated, this can cause permanent tissue damage.
Although the symptoms and severity of a heart attack may vary, common symptoms often include:
chest pain or discomfort
pain in other parts of the body (that feels as though it spreads from the chest to the arms, neck, jaw, or back)
shortness of breath
nausea, dizziness, and cold sweats
Atrial Fibrillation (AF)
Heart Failure
Death from Cardiovascular Causes
The heart may keep the body moving, but that is not the only thing that comes under pressure from prolonged sitting. Muscles weaken due to inactivity, leading to poor posture and an increased risk of chronic pain, particularly in the lower back and neck. Circulation slows down, raising the likelihood of blood clots and varicose veins. Metabolism also takes a hit, making it more challenging to regulate blood sugar levels and increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes and cancer.
Aside from physical health, mental health can be affected by sitting too much, as prolonged sitting is associated with higher rates of stress, anxiety, and depression, as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise of remote communication, many individuals are sitting in front of screens, experiencing feelings of isolation, restlessness, and uncertainty.
Standing too proudly? Take a seat and sit back down.
If sitting is considered as dangerous as smoking, then standing up in the same spot all day would be the better alternative, right?
Not quite. While standing is often associated with the positive traits of attentiveness, authority, and engagement, it also comes with a similar set of sitting problems. This is especially true when cooking or waiting in line. It is easy to get agitated and wonder why things are taking so long to simmer or why the line is not going down faster to reach the front.
If the mere mention of either of those habits makes feet itch or knees ache in anticipation of a walk, consider those who must stand both day and night. Many professions require individuals to be on their feet and ready to respond quickly.
For instance, security guards must remain poised and prepared for any situation. The same is true in the classroom, where a teacher may stand at the front to teach and observe their students. Cashiers might be stationed in one spot, attentively working the till at the checkout to assist customers, much like factory workers who spend long hours on their feet due to their role in a confined space, either on the factory or shop floor. Even construction involves waiting for supplies or standing in place until confirmation is given that it is once again safe to move.
In addition, standing on hard surfaces or wearing unsupportive footwear may cause foot pain, blisters, or calluses, making movement and the strain in the lower half of the body even more unbearable.
Moving beyond Sitting and Standing
Rather than decide which is the lesser of two evils, remember that the core message of this campaign is not about the sole action of standing but about reducing prolonged activity, meaning anything to get moving (even in that one place) is fair game—including the brief "challenge" at the very start.
Here are a few additional strategies that can help increase daily movement at home and within the workplace:
For those who sit often
Driving or taking the bus? If so, try parking or stopping further away and continue the rest of the journey on foot.
Create an alarm as a reminder to stand and walk around every 30 minutes and invite others to join in.
Avoid sitting down to eat and drink in places where most time is spent, such as a desk.
Take advantage of the weather by walking to a nearby window to open, close or even look out of it.
Drink water frequently, not only to stay hydrated but also to encourage more trips to the restroom.
If sitting for a long time is necessary, try performing seated exercises such as leg raises, torso twists or shoulder shrugs.
Work from home? Consider swapping a standard non-adjustable desk for a standing desk to balance your time spent sitting and standing.
Wander around while making phone calls.
When taking the train or bus, stand up when the opportunity arises.
Listening to music can subconsciously lead to toe-tapping, swaying, head bobbing, and spontaneous urges to get up and dance.
Make convenient time-savers into a challenge: Move a bin, phone or pencil holder elsewhere to prompt a quick walk or stretch.
Use a footrest to alleviate pressure on the lower body, but do not use it if it forces the knees above the hips.
For those who stand often
Discussion points for Health and Wellbeing, Rule of Law and Mutual Respect
Are there any laws worldwide that relate to sitting or standing?
Should there be legal requirements to combat periods of inactivity, such as standing or sitting?
How much time do you spend sitting down in comparison to standing up?
Should employees have a say in how their work environment supports physical activity, such as incorporating standing desks or scheduling mandatory walking meetings?
How can workplaces encourage more movement while still respecting individual freedom of choice?
How can we create a culture of movement without excluding or shaming those who may struggle to do so?
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