Make Your Sitting Habit a Good One
By Brandi Goodman
Sitting has long been said to be a bad habit. Spend hours sitting and your joints and muscles are bound to ache as they become stiff and inflexible. Despite this truth, there are some options for making your sitting habit a good one, rather than bad.
Try Chair Exercises
Exercise doesn't have to be done standing up. Older adults, those with disabilities, and people who are bed-ridden cannot get up and work out as usual. That doesn't mean you are not able to move your body or exercise at all. Chair exercises allow you to sit while still doing some movement and working out certain areas of your body. Just because you have no use of your legs, for example, doesn't mean you can't still work out your arms.
Even if you're just having a tough day and don't feel like moving much, some chair exercises, such as tightening your core as you raise and lower your legs, can be extremely helpful in improving your physical abilities.
Only Enjoy Healthy Snacks While You Sit
If you're going to sit for hours on the couch, at least make your snacks something healthy. Only allowing yourself to have healthy snacks while you sit can help you avoid even further cause for concern. Cut up an apple and dip it in peanut butter. Try some celery and low-fat ranch. Stick with these nutritious options if you must eat while you're spending time sitting.
Use Proper Posture
Exhibiting proper posture as you sit can help you avoid discomfort. Don't hunch over or sit slouched to the side. You need to keep your body upright with your spine in line. Your face should be focused forward in direct line with what you're watching. If you have to look down low or up high to view the television, you'll put a strain on your neck.
Set a Timer
If it's just one of those days and you feel like sitting for a while, at least do yourself a favor and set a timer. Every hour, make sure you have an alarm going off reminding you it's time for a stretch. Get up and walk to the other room and back so you can stretch out your legs. Reach up toward the ceiling. Bend and touch your toes. This simple stretching can go a long way toward keeping your body in good condition.
Make your sitting habit a good one by adding health into consideration. You should never sit for hours with no movement at all. Do what you can to add in exercise, keep your snacks healthy, and work to achieve good habits -- all while you sit.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Roseville, Calif.