Effects of Sedentary Lifestyle
What is a sedentary lifestyle – A sedentary lifestyle is a quite common issue for many people all over the world. It is important to understand that a sedentary lifestyle doesn’t mean that you sit all day at work, it means that you are not physically active most of the time. The main problem is that an inactive lifestyle can lead to the development of various health issues. In this article, we have gathered six negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle you should be aware of.
1. Back pain
If you sit in front of the computer at work and then sit at the computer at home, it is not surprising that your back can ache. It is important to understand that a lack of physical activity makes your back muscles weak. This means that they can’t hold your spine property and this can result in back pain. Moreover, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to the development of certain spinal conditions. So if your back pain is persistent, it is better to contact a spine surgeon for a thorough examination and treatment if needed.
2. Poor posture
Many people who maintain a sedentary lifestyle also have poor posture. Indeed, it can be quite challenging to keep your back straight all the time.
Read More: 6 Health Benefits of an Active Lifestyle
But you should understand that poor posture is not only an aesthetic issue. People with poor posture and an inactive lifestyle are more prone to digestive problems, breathing difficulties, headaches, and many other conditions. That’s why you need to keep your back and neck straight.
3. Impaired blood circulation
People who maintain a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop problems with blood circulation. Indeed, if you don’t move and exercise enough, your blood circulates slower. As a result, cells of your body don’t receive enough oxygen. That’s why it is extremely important to warm up and exercise throughout the day. You can write a note and stick it to your table or set an alarm to have a walk or exercise while working.
4. Obesity
The more inactive you are, the fewer calories you burn. But you should understand that your appetite doesn’t disappear if you sit or lay all day long. This means that calories that were not used to maintain your body will remain in it as extra fat. Even though you will not become obese at once, maintaining a sedentary lifestyle may lead to extra pounds and obesity over time. Obesity, in turn, can lead to the development of various health issues like stroke, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, etc.
5. Cardiovascular conditions
A sedentary lifestyle can significantly increase your risk of developing certain cardiovascular conditions like high blood pressure, heart diseases, stroke, etc. It is essential to understand that cardiovascular diseases kill many people every day all over the world. If you maintain an inactive lifestyle, you need to monitor your cholesterol levels and try to include physical activity in your daily routine. You can start with yoga or any other kind of physical activity that will help you prevent cardiovascular conditions.
6. Depression and anxiety
Some studies show that people who maintain a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to depression and anxiety. The researchers found that people with the most inactive lifestyles were 25 percent more likely to be depressed than those who exercise actively. You should also know that physical activity boosts the production of endorphins, “feel-good” chemicals that can improve your mood. These chemicals also act as pain medications. So you can exercise instead of taking painkillers to relieve a headache or pain during periods.
