Don't just sit there - fiddle!

Washington DC: As per a recent study, if you are sitting down, you shouldn't be still.

New research suggests that the movements involved in fidgeting may counteract the adverse health impacts of sitting for long periods.

In a study, the University of Leeds and UCL researchers report that an increased risk of mortality from sitting for long periods was only found in those who consider themselves very occasional fidgeters.

They found no increased risk of mortality from longer sitting times, compared to more active women, in those who considered themselves as moderately or very fidgety.

Co-lead author Janet Cade said that 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.

Even among adults who meet recommended physical activity levels and who sleep for eight hours per night, it is possible to spend the vast majority of the day (up to 15 hours) sitting down.

The study builds on growing evidence suggesting that a sedentary lifestyle is bad for your health, even if you are physically active outside work.

The study is published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.