Hi everyone! You may have heard the catchy headline “sitting is the new smoking.” While it might sound dramatic, it’s a stark reminder of how detrimental prolonged sitting can be to our health.

Why is sitting harmful you may ask? Humans were designed to be upright and active. When we stand, our heart and cardiovascular system work more efficiently, and our bowels function better. Prolonged sitting disrupts these natural processes, leading to a range of health issues:

Extended periods of sitting can cause back pain, weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Not to mention sitting too much can also take a toll on your mental well-being, contributing to increased feelings of stress, anxiety, and lower energy levels.

Here are some tips on how to get moving!
Being active doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym for hours. Here are some easy and out of the box tips to weave more movement into your daily routine:

Meditation with movement can be more effective. Combine the benefits of walking with meditation. Put on your headphones, turn on the calm app, and enjoy the healing combination of movement, sound, and nature.

Get moving to manage glucose spikes. With summer and vacations approaching, it’s easy to overindulge in sweet treats. Combat the glucose spike by following up indulgences with a 10-minute walk.

Take walking calls at the office. Pace the floor or the perimeter of the building. This not only breaks up long sitting periods but also helps refresh your mind and body. Even organizing walking meetings can make work more dynamic and engaging.

Take the stairs instead of the elevator and more importantly look for the farthest parking spot in the lot when parking.

Stretch and move while on the phone or watching TV. Turn idle time into active time. Walk around when you’re on the phone, or do some light stretching while watching TV. Keep a yoga mat or small weights near your TV to encourage these habits.

Remember, the best ideas often come when you’re out and about—think of the proverbial “paper napkin” moments. So, lace up those walking shoes and start incorporating these simple changes into your daily routine. Your body and mind will thank you!