We all like the odd idle day to relax and decompress. Busy schedules and a lengthy list of duties and ambitions can cause everyone to require some rest and relaxation. Having said that, too much laying about might do more harm than good to your body and mind. It's essential to keep track of how much time you spend sitting each day since it's probably more than you realize!
A sedentary lifestyle is turning into a serious public health problem. Inactivity appears to be becoming more common in many countries, despite being connected to a variety of chronic health issues. Here are seven negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle that you should know about.
1. You can burn fewer calories
Undoubtedly, going to the gym or doing yoga burns calories. But you'd be shocked at how many calories you burn performing simple tasks like standing and walking. NEAT — non-exercise activity thermogenesis — refers to this sort of low-level energy-burning.
Maintaining this level of energy is one of the most effective methods to combat weight gain. Low-energy activities, such as sitting or lying down, do not demand much energy and hence restrict the number of calories you burn each day through NEAT.
2. You may have an increased risk of cancer
Sitting for an extended period of time increases your chance of developing some cancers. People who stayed motionless for long periods of time had a 24% greater risk of acquiring colon cancer, a 32% higher risk of developing endometrial cancer, and a 21% higher risk of developing lung cancer.
3. You may have a weaker nervous system
Your nervous system is in charge of assisting your body in adapting to the situations it encounters on a regular basis. This system has two components: activity and rest. When you spend the majority of your time sitting, your neurological system's activity-inducing mechanisms cannot be employed or trained, inhibiting important hormones that help you feel good, recover correctly, and have plenty of energy.
Researchers discovered that sedentary activities are connected with low HRV levels, which indicate the health of your autonomic nervous system. A heart that has not been taught to adapt raises the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. You may become less flexible
Through tight, bound muscles, blood does not flow as easily. As flexibility deteriorates, inflammation and discomfort appear. The more time you spend sitting, the tighter your hip flexors and low back become. That’s why people who maintain a sedentary lifestyle are more prone to back pain and spinal issues.
5. You can gain weight
As mentioned above, a sedentary lifestyles result in fewer calories burned than an active lifestyle. As a result, overeating becomes much simpler, particularly if your favorite pleasures involve high-calorie meals.
Many people who have sedentary lives not only burn fewer calories but also chew something more frequently out of boredom or as a diversion. As a result, weight gain might occur swiftly. People who have sedentary lives may also struggle to lose weight.
6. You can be more prone to dementia, anxiety, and depression
Your mental health often suffers when you are slow for an extended period of time since it raises the likelihood of stress, restlessness, and depression. This disorder is increasingly common in teens and adults since they spend more time gazing at screens. Many people also have an unhealthy diet and sleep regimen. These factors might aggravate the situation.
7. You may develop sleep issues
Sleep is priceless. Not receiving enough sleep might cause metabolic problems, impair your immune system, increase your chance of premature mortality, and other problems. And the more sedentary you are, the worse your sleep will be.
For example, if you spend more than 11 hours a day in relaxation mode, you may have both decreased sleep quality and quantity. A meta-analysis also discovered that excessive sedentary behaviors increase the likelihood of insomnia.
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