Sitting down for most of the day is obviously bad for us, known to raise our risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer and even an early death. However, it’s largely unavoidable for those of us with desk-based jobs.

Too much sitting is also detrimental for our mental health, a study from sportswear company Asics has found. Survey results from more than 7000 desk-based workers found that mood drops after just two hours and stress spikes four hours in. However, taking a 15-minute exercise break reverses these effects.

Taking a midday stroll........

© The Sydney Morning Herald