Effects of Being Inactive/ Prolonged Sitting

Your overall health and energy levels improve when you are physically active. Your bone strength improves as well. The human cardiovascular system and other major organs work more effectively when you are standing, because that is how they are made. Being physically inactive puts you at risk of developing diseases which could have been prevented if you were physically active. People who are physically active have a well-functioning bowel system than those who are not physically active. The bowel system is made to function properly when you are standing upright rather than sitting or lying down. That’s why it’s not advisable to sit or lay down immediately after a meal. The human body is made to function effectively when you are standing upright. Knowing the effects of being inactive/ prolonged sitting will go a long way to help you to prevent diseases which can cause you a lot.

People who are physically inactive have a higher risk of developing heart diseases, anxiety, depression and becoming obese. People who stand most or are physically active during the day lower their risk of early death or developing diseases caused by living a sedentary lifestyle. You have a possibility of living a healthy lifestyle if you are physically active or sit or lay down for fewer periods during the day.

1. Stop using the lift at work and rather use the stairs

2. Leave the car at home and walk to work. If the distance is too long, walk half-way and board a bus for the rest of the halfway way.

3. Take a small walk during lunch time and take your lunch outside your desk.

4. Stop sending email information to your colleagues and walk and talk to them if possible.

5. Try doing some yoga and dancing at home.

6. Walk around when you are on the phone rather than sitting or lying down with it.

7. Use your phone to do most of the job when you are at home and be able to walk around with it rather than using the computer at home.

1. Deep vein thrombosis. Deep vein thrombosis is a clot that forms in the veins of the legs and arms. This clot can break up and travel through the bloodstream to the lungs and cause pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolism is a serious condition which needs immediate medical attention. The clot can also travel to other vital organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys to cause serious complications. Prolonged sitting or being physically inactive can lead to these serious complications.

2. Diabetes. Being physically inactive can make you develop type 2 diabetes, commonly known as insulin resistance diabetes.

3. Varicose veins. Prolonged sitting inhibits venous return, making blood to remain in your legs, leading to the development of varicose veins.

4. heart disease. Being physically inactive is one of the major causes of developing heart disease. Get active and save your heart.

5. Anxiety and depression. People who sit for longer or who are physically inactive develop anxiety and depression than people who are active and do not sit for a longer period of time.

6. Back pains. Prolonged sitting can cause back pain, especially if you don’t assume a good posture. This back pain can become chronic, and it will be difficult to correct it.

7. Gluteal and leg muscles. The gluteal and leg muscles stabilize you and help you to walk. Being physically inactive or prolonged sitting weakens and wastes these muscles. This can make you a victim to injuries and falls, especially during exercise.

8. Obesity. Prolonged sitting or being physically inactive affects digestion, and makes you retain fats. This is the main cause of obesity, and obesity is also the main cause of many sedentary lifestyle diseases.

If you are not physically active, this is the time for you to become one. It’s never too late. Become a physically active person from today and enjoy the great benefits that comes with it.