Sitting is the New Smoking
There are far too many vises that will keep us sitting for far too long. Whether it’s your job, or a Netflix binge session, or a hobby, we need to be aware of how much sitting we do and make an effort to do less.
We need to remind ourselves to move
If you have a FitBit or an Apple watch there is a good chance it vibrates or makes a sound every hour to let you know if you’ve gotten in your 250 steps for that hour. PAY ATTENTION TO IT! Getting up onto your feet at least once an hour to take a quick walk around the room, office, house, etc. is very beneficial.
When we sit for extended periods of time our joints get stiff and getting up becomes harder, or maybe even painful, so we don’t want to do it. If we consistently get up and move we are less likely to feel those aches and pains.
5 things to do to get yourself moving
Pay attention to your device and get those steps in every hour. You should move for approximately 4-5 minutes.
Don’t have a device? Set an hourly alarm on your phone to remind you to get up. This needs to be set up only one time and then keep those alarms on. Time flies by when you are not watching a clock so you’ll be surprised at how quickly an hour passes.
Make it a point to use the bathroom or copier furthest from your office, or the room you are in. If you are home walk upstairs to use the bathroom, or down if you are up. Make an effort to put more movement into each task you do.
You’ve all heard these a million times, but they work. Park further away from the store, don’t look for the closest spot, find the furthest spot. And of course, use the stairs whenever possible.
Earn your sit time. I’ve mentioned this in a prior newsletter but it is worth mentioning again. If you want to spend some time relaxing, we all deserve some down time, set a goal to get something done, even if it only takes you 10 minutes, and then enjoy your relaxation time. You will feel less guilty and more accomplished when you do take the time to sit.
It doesn't have to be exercise or strenuous
While exercise is my thing I want you to understand I’m not telling you that you have to do something strenuous every hour, I’m just saying get up and walk around for a few minutes. The more the body stays at rest the less likely we are to want to move and then we get complacent not moving. It is the worst thing you can do for yourself and as we age if we slow down we may lose our ability to be independent.
So no matter what your age, figure out a way to keep yourself moving, it’s the best gift you can give yourself and your family!