In today’s society, many people have careers and lifestyles that are sedentary. Many people work at their office job and will then return home, sit on the couch, and watch Netflix. However, this sedentary lifestyle can take a toll on your health, both physically and mentally. Here are 3 ways a sedentary lifestyle can take an unhealthy toll:
Physical Health
A sedentary lifestyle has been shown to double the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as diabetes and obesity. Our bodies are not meant to be sitting all day, and it shows! There are ways you can help combat the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle. Many people are now starting to invest in standing desks, and many offices are implementing activity rooms and gyms in their buildings to encourage their workers to become more physically active.
While a sedentary lifestyle can cause dangerous health problems, it’s also one of the main causes of pain in our bodies. When we sit for hours on end, our bodies get stiff and our spines get compressed. This will cause pain in areas like your back or your neck. It’s important to get up and move around!
Mental Health
While a sedentary lifestyle takes a huge toll on physical health, the negative effects it has on mental health cannot be ignored. Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle can increase the risk of depression. It has also been shown to increase physiological distress. In an Australian study, those who sat down for six hours or more during their workday were more likely to score in the moderate to high range on a test of psychological distress than those who sat for fewer than three studies.
The science makes sense – exercise releases endorphins into your body, giving you that “euphoric” feeling that is often associated with high physical activity (runner’s high, for example). When you’re not getting enough exercise, it harms both your mind and body.
Energy Levels
Ironically, not getting enough exercise throughout the day can make you feel MORE tired. If you have or currently do work in an office setting where you’re sitting for most of the day you have likely experienced the fatigue that comes with sitting for long periods. The fatigue that comes with a sedentary lifestyle can make it so it becomes a chore to do things that you once found enjoyable, such as going out with friends or hitting the gym.
To combat this, it’s been shown that low-intensity exercise can reduce fatigue symptoms by up to 65%. You don’t need to go for a 10K run every day to reduce fatigue – light exercises like going for a light jog or a bike ride can combat low energy levels caused by living a sedentary lifestyle.
Unfortunately, sedentary lifestyles are becoming more and more common in today’s society. However, these lifestyles can harm both your physical and mental health, as well as your overall energy levels. Take initiative and combat your sedentary lifestyle by getting up and moving around more! Are you experiencing pain due to long periods of sitting? Hardick Chiropractic can help!
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.