Sitting behavior affects both mind and body
- col-bobbie-randall
- March 7, 2024
- 809
Many folks are surprised to learn something they do every day is linked to heart disease, dementia and even cancer. Folks do it every day, and the longer they do it, the higher the health risk.
Who would have ever guessed that prolonged sitting and the lack of physical activity has been identified as the fourth-leading risk factor for people worldwide? In short people sit too much.
Research reports sitting from eight to 12 hours a day can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 90%. Obesity and high blood pressure also are higher with extended sitting.
Who would have ever guessed your favorite chair could be an accomplice to poor health? A recliner’s defect is it encourages sitting. Without the consistent movement of muscles, couch potatoes often obtain big bellies and weak lumbar muscles.
A decrease in body movements brings with it a reduction in creativity and productivity. Luckily, the reverse is true. An increase of activity can increase creativity and productivity.
Taking a short walk in the middle of the day has been shown to boost brain power. Think of it as a recess for your mind and body. Happy hormones will bounce around in your body. They improve blood flow, mood and thinking power.
Unfortunately, most of today’s world is designed to keep us on our bottoms. We work and sit. We drive and sit. We watch television and sit. We eat and sit. We engage in social media and sit. Functioning by the seat of our pants is negatively affecting our world.
People who exercise daily may think they are canceling out the negative effects of hours of sitting every day. Unfortunately, that is not the case.
Prolonged, constant sitting thwarts the brain and stacks up the blood sugar. It weakens the muscles and zaps creativity. It acts as a poison to the body.
The solution lies in motion, the ultimate health potion. Consistent sitting for 30 minutes requires at least five minutes of movement to get the blood flowing.
A few minutes away from a television or computer screen will do your eyes a favor too. The whole-body experience can add years to your life.
Switching up the scenery can spark creativity and expand interests. Sorry, walking to the kitchen for more snacks or soda pop does not count as a healthy break.
Prolonged sitting is a stagnant state. Perspiration from exercise leads to inspiration. Walking for at least 10 minutes every hour spent on your bottom can lead to a change of thinking and well-being.
Even those folks who must remain in a seated position because of a disability can take advantage of active movement every hour. Upper body exercises or muscle stretches can keep the blood and brain power flowing.
Consider getting off your bottom and stop prolonged sitting. Your health and well-being depend upon movement. Reduce the incidence of debilitating disease, keep fit and decrease the sit.
Bobbie Randall is a registered, licensed dietitian. Email her at bobbierandallrd@gmail.com.