Daily physical activity is important for our physical and mental wellbeing. Life is busy, and we know that you may not have the time to fulfill all of your fitness goals, but even a little exercise each day can do wonders for your overall health. At the end of the day, if you decide to go for a walk or a jog, you’ll prevent yourself from falling into a sedentary lifestyle. The following article will discuss a few of the reasons why it’s so important to avoid sedentary behaviours.
Aggravate Existing Back Pain
Millions of people sit down for work. Whether they’re sitting at their computer or driving their car, prolonged sitting can lead to neck and back issues. Heath studies indicate that prolonged sitting straight can increase tension on the lower back, which, if not rectified, could result in disk degeneration. If you’re seated for multiple hours every day, consider going for a light walk or run. Furthermore, take advantage of the summer weather and go for a swim. These exercises can do wonders for back health.
Lack of Sleep
Working out and staying active increases your heart rate, gets your heart pumping, and improves your lung capacity. Essentially, it puts our cardiovascular system to work. Conversely, sedentary behaviours don’t give people the chance to push their bodies to burn calories and build muscle, resulting in a sluggish and lethargic way of life.
Working out for 20-30 minutes a day is important if you want a good night’s rest. Not only will you fall asleep easier, but you’ll also stay asleep much longer and reduce your chances of waking up in the middle of the night. It’ll even help your posture as you won’t be tossing and turning into unfavourable positions all night. If you’re tired but can’t fall asleep at night, you need to consider adopting a more physical lifestyle.
Negative Mindset
Refraining from or putting off your workouts is a vicious cycle. You might say, “I’ll get to it tomorrow,” but unfortunately, you say that every day. Exercise is important for mental acuity and can reduce feelings of hopelessness, sadness and anxiousness. Don’t overwhelm yourself, push yourself to your physical limits, ease yourself into a routine, and remain consistent. As you work out, you’ll improve circulation and increase your strength, supporting your body and preventing yourself from suffering injuries. The negative feelings you have towards working out will likely dissipate as your brain releases endorphins, and you’ll set yourself up to feel mentally stronger each day.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of the warm weather and take up some outdoor activities as most gyms have limited access due to COVID-19. For more information on how physical exercise can improve your physical and mental health, contact Hardick Chiropractic today!
Dr. B.J. Hardick is a Doctor of Chiropractic and internationally-recognized natural health author and speaker. His health journey began as a child — alternative medicine is the only medicine he has ever known. In 2009, he authored his first book, Maximized Living Nutrition Plans. In 2018, he authored his second book, Align Your Health. An energizing and passionate speaker, Dr. Hardick shares his lifestyle methods to numerous professional and public audiences every year in the United States and Canada. His teachings encompass the principles of ancestral nutrition, detoxification, functional fitness, mindfulness, and green living.