The following is an article that contains a useful reminder from my chiropractor..

In the past, you may have heard us reference the saying, “Sitting is the new smoking.” While it might be hard to believe that simply spending too much time in a seated position can possibly damage your body as much as tobacco does, it’s entirely true.

Here are six different effects of over-sitting.

1. Your metabolism can slow down. Decreased muscle use can lead to a slower clearance of fat from the body and decrease the effects of insulin.

2. It can lead to chronic pain. Sitting for too long, especially at a desk, can cause excess pressure on certain parts of the body, like the lower back.

3. You’ll have less energy. Sitting too much means moving less. Movement, like going for a brisk 20-minute walk, can up our energy levels quickly.

4. It can increase your risk of heart disease. Leading a sedentary lifestyle is tied with a higher risk of heart problems, among other issues.

5. Our mental health suffers. In fact, studies have indicated that sitting indoors and communicating with others strictly online can reduce social skills and affect psychological well-being.

6. Your posture becomes compromised. More pressure is put on lumbar discs when sitting instead of being distributed equally. This causes the pelvis to rotate backward, which can sometimes lead to our head moving forward.

Your body was made to move.

So many of us work and relax while sitting at a desk or elsewhere that we may need to make a conscious effort to move. Here are just a few ideas.

Set some kind of reminder to move. Cell phones are great for this. Set an hourly alarm and when it goes off at least stand up and wiggle, walk, or better yet take a 30 second dance break.

Walk. Take a little longer way to wherever you're going. Park in the far out spots. Walk a few laps around your house - inside or out. And of course, you can always take a 15-20 minute or longer walk around your work, neighborhood, or wherever. You dog will love you even more if you take him or her along!

Anything else that inspires you. Like: yoga, swimming, cycling, dance, weights, running, hopping, skipping, jumping, literally whatever moves you! Do it alone, with friends, or in a group class. Take up an old favorite again or try something new. Just get out of your chair.

Remember, be good to your body. It's the only place you have to live.

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If you’d like to learn more about this topic, click HERE to book a session with me, or follow me on Facebook @Nourishing Body & Soul or on Instagram @tlastle.nourishingbodyandsoul