Unfortunately, nowadays we are dealing with a rise of sedentary lifestyles. Compared with the previous generations, people are spending an increasing amount of time in environments that limit physical activity. In workplaces, schools, while commuting, and even in our homes, we are dealing with prolonged sitting. There is no surprise that the recent changes and trends which have appeared in our world are mostly on fault for the rise of the inactive lifestyles. Lifestyles with low physical activities appear to be an increasingly widespread problem in many nations. Below are the health risks our bodies are exposed to and the best ways to escape falling into the sedentary trap.
What Is A Sedentary Lifestyle?
It may be difficult to determine what a sedentary lifestyle actually means and when you should start worrying that your health may be in danger. Sedentary habits involve little or no physical activity at all. A person who is physically inactive usually spends prolonged time sitting or lying down while engaged in activities such as working, reading, socializing, watching television, or using electronic devices. According to specialists, adults should be getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week to maintain good overall health. However, when questioned about how much physical activity most adults do today, it has been noticed that only a few percent of them are meeting the physical activity guidelines.
Why Sedentary Lifestyles Are on Rise
Inactive lifestyles are a modern public health problem. Technological advancements, the changes which have appeared in work environments, and even urbanization are all reasons for the decrease in physical activity. In the digital era, there is a strong tendency for people to sit for a prolonged time with their electronic devices. Office jobs are also making employees sit in front of their computers for many hours five days a week. And moving from rural to urban areas have trapped people in cement buildings with small homes which they rarely leave if they do not have to complete tasks such as going to work. The causal relationship between modern world changes and inactive lifestyle have led to the appearance of numerous health conditions. Previous generations who were constantly active did not have to deal with health risks caused by the lack of physical activity. Yet, nowadays, sedentary or inactive habits can have tremendous side effects on our overall wellbeing.
Inactivity and Health Risks
The human body needs movement. It is not designed to be stationary for too long. Physical activity is what our bodies need to keep our metabolism high, our fat stores low, our blood pumping, our muscles toned, and our organs functional. Therefore, it is surprising that people still do not understand the importance of daily exercising and avoiding sitting for a prolonged time. Our bodies are deprived of the natural method of maintaining good health due to the inactive style of living. Researches have proved that being sedentary significantly increases the risk of various health problems. The first negative consequence of inactivity is gaining weight. Due to the fact that less movement leads to fewer calories expended, our bodies are naturally gaining weight. Sitting for too long means that our muscles are not burning enough fat which can lead to heart diseases. Cardiovascular diseases are the most common problems which appear in people who spend too much time sitting and too less time physically active. Diabetes, reduced blood circulation, loss of muscle and bone strength, and slowed down brain functions are also health risks that modern individuals with sedentary lifestyles and office jobs are predisposed to.
Exercising and good mental health are strongly linked. While exercising, our bodies release the so-called chemicals endorphins which trigger a positive feeling in our bodies. That is why exercising is often recommended for people who suffer from depression or anxiety. Simply involving your body in physical activity can boost a good mood and help your brain functions work at their best potential. Therefore, inactive lifestyles have a negative impact on mental wellbeing. Medical specialists suggest that lack of physical activity has the consequence of a higher risk of developing a mental health disorder such as depression.
Ways to Stay Healthy When You Have A Sedentary Style of Living
Contrary to the lack of physical activity, an active lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of health conditions. There is consistent evidence showing that people who are physically active, including practicing sports and moderate exercising, experience less overall health problems, including fewer mental health conditions. But how to escape the modern sedentary lifestyle and maintain your good health? Especially when you are having a nine-to-five job, being physically active may seem like a real challenge. However, changing your habits to meet the minimum physical activity guidelines is not that difficult.
Being active while you are having an office job can be challenging. Yet, a few tips can get you moving and help you stay fit and healthy. Take frequent breaks to stand up and move around to ease the pressure put on your spine and muscles. Choose to take the stairs instead of the elevator to exercise a little bit even when you are at work. Pay attention to your sitting posture in front of your office computer to avoid developing back problems and pain.
If you have a sedentary office job, being physically active after the working hours is crucial. After sitting all day long, you need to get your body moving by finding a fun way to relieve work stress and exercise. For example, you can join a netball league with Netbusters and have fun playing with other players after work. adding some activity in your life can significantly improve your physical and mental health.
Avoiding being inactive once you get home is another important change that you need to make. There are many healthy ways that you can be active around your house. Housework and gardening done at a more vigorous pace can help you get some exercise. Also, you can practice some gentle physical activity such as yoga stretches, pedal an exercise bike, or workout with a workout video.
An active style of living can have numerous beneficial effects on your overall health.
