Many of you will be reading this article while perched in a chair. And, if you’re like most computer users, you’ve been there for a while. We spend majority of our time staring at our computer screen, working the steering wheel, or collapsed in a heap in front of your high-definition TV. What’s more, do you depend on email, cell phone apps, direct-deposit paychecks, and online shopping to accomplish tasks that 10 or 15 years ago would have required you to get up and run errands? If so, then you may have the “Sitting Disease” a catchy phrase for a sedentary lifestyle that might be putting your health at risk.

No physical activity accompanied by long periods of sitting can:

• Increase the risk of diabetes
• Increase the possibility of heart problems
• Increase the chances of depression

There are some measures which can be used throughout the day which shall help you with healthy living and help to get some physical activity and also break the monotony –

1. Be Your Own Gardner – This is a good one for the spring time when the lawn starts to grow and you need to keep it trimmed. Instead of hiring someone to do it for you, do it yourself. You will not only get some exercise, but save some money too!
2. Try Taking A Stand – You can burn more calories by just standing as compared to sitting. So, train yourself to stand whenever you talk with a colleague or over the telephone.
3. Go Back To Yesteryears – If you have to ask your co-worker something, who is down the hall or on a different floor, don’t send him/her an e-mail; walk to his office and ask him directly. Also, consider the extra walk to the mall or grocery store an added workout rather than a waste of time. It can give you the much needed family time
4. Choose Active Entertainment Over Passive Entertainment – Instead of going for a movie, choose to play cricket with some friends (or at least Pool). Instead of playing regular video games, play with a console like Wii that involves physical movement.
5. NEATify Your Life – NEAT stands for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, and it includes basic things like stretching, turning, and bending. We recommend that you aim for 5 minutes of NEAT each hour and turn it into a regular habit.

Also read our blog on Healthy Living Tips, Habits, Facts and Activities

Combination of these tips can provide you with the much needed physical activity and also provide a breeze of freshness in the boring sitting job!

Healthy Living requires only a mindset change and rest all shall follow. Start your healthy living routine now!