Sitting for prolonged periods has recently been shown to have negative health consequences. This “harmless” habit can increase the risk of heart disease, obesity and diabetes. Recent studies have even linked sedentary lifestyles to an increased risk of death from all causes. So how do you break the cycle? Here are some tips to help you get started.
What are the side effects of a sedentary lifestyle?
A sedentary lifestyle is a lifestyle that includes little or no physical activity. The term generally refers to people who spend most of their time in a seated position, such as office workers, couch potatoes, and video game players. While there may seem to be some benefits to a sedentary lifestyle, such as being able to work at a desk all day or not having to worry about sweating, there are also a number of side effects. serious.
A sedentary lifestyle can lead to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and even early death. Also, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to experience mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. So it’s important to find ways to incorporate physical activity into your daily life, even if it’s just a brisk walk around the block or a weekend bike ride. By doing so, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Here are 7 daily habits to get you started:
These simple habits can help:
- Improve your general health.
- Reduce your risk of developing a chronic disease.
- Help boost your energy level.
- Improve your mood.
- Boost your productivity.
- Increase your blood circulation.
- Reduce stiffness.
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Get up and move every hour.
Use a timer that you will set between each time slot to remind you to move, walk, dance, for a few minutes.
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Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
If you can, take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. It’s a great way to get a little more activity during the day.
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Park further away from your destination.
When you go to a store or an office building, park your car further away than usual so you have to walk a bit more. It’s a small change that can make a big difference over time.
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Do some stretches before bed.
Before bed, do some simple stretches or yoga poses to relax your body and mind. It will help you sleep better and wake up refreshed in the morning.
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Install a standing desk.
If you have a desk job, consider investing in a standing desk so you can stand while working. This will reduce the amount of time you spend sitting during the day, and it’s also great for your back and posture.
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Set up sports equipment in front of the television.
The average French person spends more than three hours a day in front of the television. While it’s not necessary to completely eliminate television from your daily life, it’s important to find ways to be more active when you’re glued to the screen. A simple solution is to install sports equipment in front of the television. For example, you can install a mini-trampoline or invest in an exercise bike. So you can exercise while watching your favorite shows. Not only will it help you stay healthy, but it will also be a fun way to spend time with your family or friends.
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Adopt a dog.
It’s a smart way to fight a sedentary lifestyle. Dogs need regular walks, runs or hikes, which can help keep you moving. Additionally, dogs can provide companionship and unconditional love, both of which can improve your mental health.