When we spend most of our time sitting or lying down, our leg muscles are not working. As the largest muscles in our body, they are now taking in minimal fuel from the bloodstream. These muscles then are not releasing substances that break down fatty acids in our blood.As a result, the metabolism slows and the regulation of blood sugar is affected. These metabolic changes result in an increase in sugar and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This translates into a greater risk for diabetes and heart disease.

Why Is Sitting Harmful?

Sitting for long periods of time at a desk might not only be affecting our waistline and adding on the pounds to our scale. We are sitting in front of our computers, scrolling on social media longer, and watching hours of our favorite Netflix shows. However, prolonged sitting is adversely affecting our bodies and our brain health.This article looks at how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced sedentary behavior, how sitting harms your overall health, and what you can do to alleviate issues brought on by sitting too much.

Researchers at UCLA found that more time spent sitting was linked to thinning of the brain’s medial temporal lobe. This region is critical to memory formation.The team focused on the medial temporal lobe because this area of the brain declines with age and that leads to memory impairment.

How Does Sitting Influence Brain Health? 

We know that many suffered from brain fog and the sense that their brains were sluggish, fuzzy, and unable to focus. Others grappled with mental health challenges. In combination, many factors took a toll on people’s energy levels and ability to go outside for a run or walk. According to this study’s results, people increased their time spent sitting by a whopping 28%. Everyone was using screens more at home, school, and work. During the pandemic and even now, these sedentary behaviors have transformed into a dangerously sedentary lifestyle.

What Did The Pandemic Do To Us?

<ul><li>Park further away from the store entrance in the parking lot</li><li>Take a break every commercial while watching tv</li><li>Instead of taking the elevator to work, climb the stairs</li><li>Stand up and do a bunch of jumping jacks</li><li>While you’re on the phone, walk around</li><li>Walk on your lunch break</li><li>Clean the area around you</li><li>Use a fitness tracker</li></ul>

Add Movement to Your Daily Life

Stand more: Researchers found that standing is associated with better insulin sensitivity.  Insulin sensitivity is directly related to a chronic health problem: diabetes.  Because thinning in this area of the brain can be a precursor to cognitive decline and dementia in middle-aged and older adults, this preliminary study gives cause for concern. Exercise moreThe answer to changing your everyday sedentary ways in a nutshell? Little spurts of standing up, mini-workouts, and adding more movement, even through daily activities.Move Three Minutes Every 30 minutes

How to Improve Your Overall Health 

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Need to work on my daily step count after reading this! 

Many people finding themselves sitting most of the day, especially if they work from home or work in an office. Learn how too much sitting impacts your health.

Add Movement to Your Daily Life

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Get movement into your working day by making a few simple changes