Go Fidget

Negative health effects of prolonged sitting have come to light as of late, and now research has found that fidgeting movements can help combat such side effects. The research comes from the University of Leeds and UCL. They suggest prolonged sitting increases the risk of death in those who only noted they were occasional fidgeters.

Fidgeting is the act of making small movements. They can be repeated and are often done with the hands or feet. Fidgeting can result from nervousness or anxiety or even out of boredom.

In active women who reported moderate to very high fidgeting, there was no increased risk of mortality from prolonged sitting. Data was examined from the University of Leeds’ UK Women’s Cohort Study.

Co-author Professor Janet Cade said, “While further research is needed, the findings raise questions about whether the negative associations with fidgeting, such as rudeness or lack of concentration, should persist if such simple movements are beneficial for our health.”