There have been some recent findings that are bad news for people who like to sit around a lot. Unfortunately for most of us life seems to be designed for sitting: working at a desk, watching entertainment, eating along with quite a few activities that can be regarded as inactive. Maybe the Romans were onto something when they ate in the reclined position. But all this sitting, especially without ever getting up is detrimental not only for us physically but for our mental health.
In fact, moving intermittently out of your chair and simply walking or lightly stretching may be more important for health and longevity than vigorous regular workouts. Some of our largest muscles are in the core area, and if these skeletal muscle fibers don't stretch over a long period of time while we are sitting, they require less fuel. As a results surplus glucose will accumulate in the blood, which can lead to diabetes and obesity.
This all has been known for some time. Is what is becoming more revealing is just how much impact sitting has on our mental state. Research has told us that increased physical activity may alleviate existing symptoms of depression. A British study pointed out in a national wellness project that spending leisure time on the computer or watching television has a direct link with generally feeling down.
Another study out of Australia found that those who spent six hours or more seated in the workplace were more likely to score higher in psychological distress tests. Those that sat less than three hours regardless of the work activity or how active they were outside of work scored better. The brain is no different from the rest of the body, which means that in order to operate efficiently it, needs a good oxygen supply, adequate blood flow and optimal glucose metabolism.
The cause of these mental issues might go farther than just physiological. It could have much to do with what we actually do while we're in this sedentary state. Instead of connecting with other people or pursuing other mentally stimulating activities, we are normally staring at a computer screen or a television. We also tend at this time to do a lot of multitasking, such as texting, social media and emailing, and there are studies that tell us that multitasking actually can be quite stressful.
Of course there are many easy ways to counteract this, but they do require some discipline. Getting up and stretching every few minutes will help, and it would be great if to break up your day in front of the computer to get outside and take a walk. Anything that will stimulate your senses is going to help, and whatever you can do to get the blood flowing is vital.
We have actually learned quite a lot from space medicine and the effects that lack of gravity has to our body in space. We know that the human body deteriorates at a faster pace when in anti-gravity situations, and we also know that sitting for extended periods of time will simulate that low gravity environment. The key is to disengage ourselves from these low gravity situations as much as possible.
The best defense against nagging back pain is exercise, especially those that work the core muscles. Warming up properly is always a smart idea. And as stated in the article, all types of yoga fill the needs of strength, flexibility and balance that are important in developing the core. Rich Carroll is a health enthusiast and writer living in Chicago.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rich_Carroll
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