Sedentary Is The New Smoking
Smoking is bad for you and don’t act offended or like you didn't know. It’s not the 90’s any longer and we’re all aware of the terrible health effects caused by smoking. But did you know that being sedentary is just as bad as smoking? Yes! Being sedentary has just as many terrible health consequences as smoking!
Individuals who get 1 hour of moderate to vigorous exercise per day but spend a lot more time engaging in sedentary behavior like watching TV for hours (Netflix anyone?) are twice as likely to die from heart disease as those who get the same about of exercise but instead spend much less of their time “relaxing" or sitting on the couch.
Did you know that the average American adult spends just under 11 hours in front of a screen every day? Talk about being sedentary! What happens to you when you spend the majority of your day sitting down?
Here’s just a few.
Depression and Anxiety
Back pain and neck pain
Risk of cancer due to weight gain and inflammation
Obesity, diabetes, and heart disease
Blood Clots
Weakened bones
What is the easiest way to get more active? Start walking! Commit to a time or multiple times every day to walk. It’s actually easier to break it up into several times during the day. Having trouble getting motivated? Try combining your walks with something else that you really enjoy, listening to audio books, music, podcasts, learning a foreign language, or calling a friend.
Set a timer on your phone or smart watch to go off once an hour. Get up from your desk and stretch for a few mins. I keep 1 pound weights on my desk and do arm exercises throughout the day. If you’re like me and work from home, consider investing in a stand up desk. Standing is not only better for your muscles, and bone health, it can also help you stay more alert during those important work hours.
Take stock of just how much time you’re spending sitting down at work and at home and see if you can’t find ways to spend more time active instead. Netflix and the news can wait. Your health is much more vital than the new season of The Crown. 🤴 If you commit to being active in some form every day, watching that next episode can be more of a reward.
Get active
Get healthy!