The Sedentary Lifestyle: A Modern Health Crisis

introduction

Over the last few decades, this can be attributed to various improvements in the technology, and the type of working environment. As much as technology has made life easier for people, it has also in equal measures created the culture of people not moving much. Sitting or lying down for a lengthy amount of time without physical activities is not longer a healthy endeavor it has become a major public health concern. Let it be people who are trapped in the workplace staring at computers all day or those who spend most of their day in cars. This blog covers the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle and ways of solving the problem. Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle

Among these diseases, we can list the following:··· Being in a Sitting Down Position all Day

The consequences of living a sedentary lifestyle are multifaceted touching aspects of health that is physical, mental and even emotional. Sitting or being idle is not bad especially during the shorter durations but being stationary has adverse health implications.

1. Cardiovascular Health

Having a sedentary lifestyle poses one of the biggest threats to people’s cardiovascular health. To underline that, let me state that when you sit for some time, muscles are not utilised and therefore consume fewer calories; the body also loses its ability to metabolise fats and sugars. Such inactivity may cause excessive weight, hypertension, high chances of developing heart diseases and strokes. A study also revealed that anyone who is in front of their PC/laptop/TV for more than 10 hours a day has 54% increased chances of getting cardiovascular diseases as compared to one who is active.

2. Obesity and Weight Gain

Another factor that is affected by reduction in the level of physical activity is the ability of the body to utilize the calories. Combined with bad eating habits, unhealthy lifestyle in form of lack of exercise can lead to rapid weight increase and subsequent obesity. One major reason for many diseases today is obesity; it causes diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis among others. Secondly, a direct result of one being overweight is that they may get lazier and hence become more and more inactive.

3. Musculoskeletal Problems

Sitting or lying down for long also lead to many musculoskeletal problems as well as other diseases. Long sitting causes straining of muscles and thus causes back and neck aches. This means that muscles do not get the required exercise, strengthening and toning especially those in the core body and legs muscles and thus are easily affected. This, in the long run, is likely to cause joint pains, rigidity as well as mobility problems.

4. This appraisal is about the Mental Health and Cognitive Functions.

Evidently, the costs of living a sedentary life do not only address the physical aspect of an individual, but also his or her psyche. Fatigue increases the risk contractile cardiovascular disease and other related diseases including obesity, hypertension, raise blood sugar levels, and hence the impact of sedentary behavior on mental health such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem is alarming. Also, physically active persons report enhanced cognitive capability as well as improved working memory capacity. On the other hand, sitting in one place for long periods could cause dizziness, slow thinking, and even the tendency of developing dementia as one grows old.

Combating the Sedentary Lifestyle

Therefore, despite the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle being a little worrying, there are many simple changes that can be made in people’s daily lives to increase their activity levels. To remove or decrease the ill-effects of inactivity it is necessary to make slight changes, the changes which are routine. How to Fix a Sedentary Lifestyle

1. Main idea in this article focuses on ways of integrating physical exercise into existing lifestyle.

For the people who sit for most part of the day, any chance to incorporate physical activity into their working day is essential. Little lifestyle adjustments, such as getting up and walking around for at least fifteen minutes an hour or considering the use of a standing desk, can do a lot. Taking a walk while making a conversation with your business partner, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and parking your car at a space further from your office are some of the measures that one can use to get more physical activity in the workplace.

The fourth area that may be relevant is that of time organization, where, in particular, there should be separate time allocated for physical activity. Any amount of moderate intensity exercise which can range from a half an hour of brisk walking, cycling or swimming is enough to undo the effects of sitting down for a long period. Numerous communities state that splitting activity into short segments that are performed several times a day, such as a 10-min walk after meals, is easier and not less effective.

2. Finding Enjoyable Activities

One of the ways is to ensure that durability of the activity in preventing inactivity that comes as a result of boredom is assured, then the activity or exercise of choice should be fun. Fun and enjoyable movement regardless of whether it is dancing, hiking, playing sports and even practicing yoga could go along way in ensuring that the physical activities that are deemed necessary become not only a routine in ones lifestyle. People should base their exercise on social physical activities for example joining a gym class, exercising with friends among other things.

3. Minimizing Screen Time

Reducing the amount of time that you spend in front of the television or computer, playing video games or using a mobile phone could also decrease the amount of time spent sitting down. It helps to set some rules, for instance, no devices one hour before going to bed or no more than two hours spending on TV shows or movies. While at home and with free time, it is advisable to engage in activities that involve movement for example taking a walk, gardening or playing with pets or kids.

4. Ergonomic Solutions

If one has to be seated for long hours, one must take time to look for good and comfortable chairs and also maintain a right posture. Corrective furniture such as ergonomic chairs designs to support the back and automated standing desks as well as other posture correcting apparatus may reduce most of the effects of sitting on the body. Other simple measures that can also be effective in preventing musculoskeletal complications entail performing routine stretches as well as exercises that focus on posture.

Conclusion

Inactivity is dangerous to your health; however, people should know that it is possible to turn a new page and make changes regardless of the age. Thus, comprehending the effects of Prolonged entire body inactivity, and working on starting to add towards a positive change more motion into regular activities would benefit physical, mental, and psychological wellbeing of people. To say that I needed only small changes to improve my routine and decrease the time I spend sitting is not an understatement: walking half an hour daily, standing up more often, and seeking activities that make me happy will all result in better health.

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