We all know that exercise is good for us, but did you know that inactivity can be just as detrimental to your health? A sedentary lifestyle has been linked to various physical and mental health problems.
This article will discuss the hidden health risks associated with sitting still too often. From increased inflammation levels to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, it’s time to take a close look at the dangers of inactivity.
Too often, we hear about the health benefits of physical activity, but few of us talk about the health risks of inactivity. Inactivity can hurt your energy levels, your weight, and your overall health.
Here are five ways inactivity can harm your health:
1. It Can Lead to Decreased Energy Levels
Physical inactivity can have a significant impact on your energy levels.
Research has shown that those who are physically inactive are more likely to experience fatigue and lower energy levels than those who are active.
This can lead to decreased energy levels, which can significantly affect your day-to-day life, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks and activities. It is essential to remain physically active to maintain healthy energy levels.
Related: Emotional Baggage
2. It Can Lead to Weight Gain
Physical inactivity can lead to weight gain, which in turn has an impact on your energy levels.
Research has shown that even a few days of inactivity can lead to weight gain, with the average person gaining one pound every week of sedentary behavior.
This weight gain can cause fatigue and hurt overall energy, making it difficult to complete everyday tasks.
Physical inactivity can also cause hormonal imbalances, further interfering with energy levels. Therefore, engaging in regular physical activity is vital to maintain a healthy weight and energy levels.
3. It Can Lead to Chronic Pain
Physical inactivity can lead to chronic pain due to muscle weakness and reduced flexibility.
When the body is not used regularly, the muscles become weaker, lose range of motion and become stiff.
This, in turn, increases the risk of developing chronic pain.
Additionally, physical inactivity can result in poor posture, further aggravating existing musculoskeletal problems and leading to chronic pain.
Regular exercise helps maintain muscle strength and flexibility, which can help reduce the risk of chronic pain.
4. Increased Inflammation Levels
Research has shown that physical inactivity can lead to increased levels of inflammation, which can significantly impact overall energy levels.
Prolonged physical inactivity can cause an increase in inflammatory cytokines, a group of proteins known to be associated with fatigue and decreased energy levels.
This can result in both physical and mental fatigue, as well as a decrease in overall energy.
5. It Can Cause Health Conditions Such as Heart Disease, Stroke, and Diabetes
Physical inactivity can have serious health consequences, including increasing your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
Studies have found that those who lead sedentary lifestyles have lower energy levels and are more likely to suffer from fatigue than their active counterparts.
Physical inactivity puts you at risk for certain health conditions and can also lead to decreased overall energy levels, making everyday tasks more difficult.
Here are four ways you can reduce the health risks of inactivity:
1. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity is key to maintaining high energy levels throughout the day.
Research shows that those who exercise at least three times a week experience higher levels of energy, better sleep, and improved concentration.
Additionally, studies indicate that just 30 minutes of physical activity can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day. Incorporating regular physical activity into your routine can help you to stay energized and alert, making it easier to tackle daily tasks.
Related: What Ashwagandha is Good for? Science-Backed Health Benefits
2. Make Time for Activities that You Enjoy
Physical inactivity can profoundly affect your energy levels, leading to feelings of fatigue and low motivation.
To combat this, it is crucial to make time for activities you enjoy.
Not only can engaging in enjoyable activities help to improve your overall mood, but it can also help to increase your energy levels.
Whether going for a walk or bike ride or playing a sport or game with friends or family, taking time out of your day to be active can positively affect your energy levels and mental wellbeing.
3. Be Physically Active throughout the Day
Regular physical activity can go a long way in increasing your energy levels throughout the day.
Studies have shown that as little as 10 minutes of physical activity can affect your energy levels.
Not only does being active boost your energy, but it also helps maintain healthy muscles and bones, reduce symptoms of chronic diseases, improve your mental health, and even help you sleep better.
Aim to be physically active throughout the day by taking breaks to stretch, move around, or go for a brisk walk at lunchtime. Incorporating physical activity into your daily routine is a great way to ensure you stay energized throughout the day.
Related: 18 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa
4. Limit Your Screen Time
Studies have shown that too much time in front of screens can lead to increased physical inactivity, which can affect your energy levels.
To counteract this, try limiting your time on the computer, phone, or television.
Even just getting up and taking a walk around the block can do wonders for boosting your energy and helping you stay active.
Conclusion
Physical inactivity can significantly impact your energy levels, leading to fatigue and decreased productivity.
Inactivity can also lead to chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
To reduce the health risks associated with inactivity, it is essential to engage in regular physical activity throughout the day.
This can be as simple as taking frequent breaks throughout the workday to go for a walk or jog or participating in more structured physical activities such as yoga or group fitness classes.
Increasing your physical activity levels can improve your energy levels and reduce the risk of developing chronic health conditions.
Source
- Medline Plus: Health Risks of an Inactive Lifestyle
- Active Family Chiropractic: The Hidden Health Risks of Inactivity
- Inline Physio: The hidden risks of a sedentary lifestyle
- Johns Hopkins: Risks of Physical Inactivity
