We do it at work, in the car, and at home in front of the television. For the majority of us, we are sitting for the better part of the day, but have you ever stopped to think about what sitting could be doing to our bodies?
The Washington Post recently published an article addressing just that. From the tops of our heads to the toes on our feet, sitting for long periods of time can have pretty severe impacts to our health ranging from poor circulation in the legs, to colon cancer.
So what can we do? Experts say that we should try sitting on something wobbly, like a yoga ball. Even sitting on a backless stool can help to keep your core muscles engaged. When you are at home in front of the TV, get up and walk around during the commercials. Even a leisurely stroll at 1 mph will burn twice as many calories as sitting.
Just as important as moving is the fuel we put into our bodies. Yes, we're talking about the food we eat. We live in Texas, where the lure of a Whataburger patty melt and fries is minutes away. We often rationalize with excuses like, "it will be faster," "I need to finish this report," or "it's on the way to my meeting." The problem is, after that patty melt and fries, comes the sluggish, tired feeling that is inevitable after eating a meal so high in fat.
In order to keep that pep in your step, eat food rich in nutrients such as calcium, folic acids, iron, and omega-3s. All of these nutrients are proven to assist in normal brain function - including regulating your moods, and make getting through the day a whole lot easier. Imagine that happy, euphoric feeling you get on Fridays lasting the entire week!
Taking care of our bodies is a responsibility that each of us carries, but many take for granted. When you take care of yourself you naturally feel better, work better, and do better for the people around you. - LET'S GET MOVING!
To read the entire article from the Washington Post, click here. For some examples of exercises you can do while you're at the office, check out this article, and for a deeper look into healthy eating choices, don't miss this article.
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