Tips to Combat a Sedentary Lifestyle
By Sara Butler
Modern society has provided people with a plethora of really amazing things -- technology, medicine, and cat videos on the internet, just to name a few. But one thing that modern society has created that isn’t so great is a sedentary lifestyle for a lot of people. Obesity is on the rise and with it, heart disease and diabetes. If you sit for more than four hours per day, then you’re increasing your risk of chronic disease and even death, but it doesn’t have to be that way! There are some solid strategies you can employ to help you stay out of the sedentary trap!
Go for a Walk
Walking for just 30 minutes in the evening can help you to be healthier. Studies have shown that moderate exercise like walking can help to reduce your health risks and keep you healthy in the long term. It’s also really good for your vascular system, which can be damaged by sitting so much each day.
You can try to work more steps into your day by doing simple things, such as taking the stairs, inviting your coworkers on a walking meeting, or parking far away from your building. The important thing to remember is that you must get your body moving to be healthy.
Set a Reminder
If you have a desk job or some other occupation that requires a lot of sitting, set a reminder on your phone or computer every hour to let you know when it’s time to get up, move around, and do a few stretches. You can also look into using a standing desk, which has become popular recently to help people from doing so much sitting at work -- and they’re good for your posture too!
Take a Commercial Break
There’s nothing wrong with vegging out in front of the television for a bit at the end of a long day, but don’t sit for too long. When there’s a commercial break or an episode break, stand up and walk into the other room for a glass of water. Or do a few jumping jacks or knee raises. Do something to break up the sedentary time that can add up during screen-based activities!
Sitting has been called the new smoking -- it's that bad for your health, although it doesn't go directly into your lungs. So make sure you find ways to fight back against a sedentary lifestyle.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.