Sitting is the New Smoking

Have you heard--sitting is considered the new smoking.  The average person in western countries sits for prolonged periods of time--as in ten hours per day.  This contributes to low energy to say the least not to mention risks for diabetes, some cancers, being overweight, etc. 

The key to solving this problem comes from: 1) being aware that you are sitting for prolonged periods of time; 2) creating a habit loop whereby you are triggered by an alarm, a person, a commercial, or a function that tells you it's time to get up and move; 3) focusing on the rewards that come from moving the body, relieving the mind, and taking a brain break. 

To extend the smoking analogy, consider the fact that smokers are motivated on a regular basis to get up and go outside and have a smoke.  They are triggered by the feeling of needing to smoke.  They are rewarded by getting to take a break from work and be outside in fresh air.  They are rewarded by seeing fellow smokers who might be outside too.  They are smoking.  Then they return to their work feeling refreshed.  I am NOT saying it's a healthy habit.  I am saying that it is the perfect (bad) habit loop. 

This week, take a look at how much time you spend sitting--at home on the couch, at work, at activities, in the car.  Does it add up to ten hours per day? YIKES!  That is too long and too damaging to your physical and mental health.  Consider what you can do to create a trigger, even an alarm on your phone will work, so that you get up and get moving for five minutes of walking, stretching, refilling the water bottle. etc.  Consider every effort an investment in your long term healthy lifestyle account.  I promise--you are worth the effort.