According to the CDC, more than 60 percent of the adult population in the United States is leading a sedentary lifestyle. This isn’t surprising especially considering the recent pandemic which has made it much harder to get outside and move. With busy schedules and most of our jobs requiring us to sit behind a screen all day, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get the movement we need to stay healthy.
Exercise becomes more important to our bodies as we age. The CDC states that inactivity contributes to 1 in 10 premature deaths in the United States alone. There are several illnesses that are associated with sedentary lifestyles, a lot of which could be greatly reduced by adding some form of activity to a person’s daily schedule.
Inactivity has also led to billions of dollars in annual healthcare costs. Diseases that are being connected with low physical activity are diabetes, digestive issues, heart disease and even certain types of cancers. Being conscious of your activity level and making movement a priority in your life can save a dreaded trip to the clinic and the pharmacy.
As we gear up for the change in seasons and our calendars become increasingly tight, don’t forget to add movement in that schedule. It can seem like adding exercise to your daily routine is more of a want than a necessity but quite the opposite is true. To keep up with those busy days it’s imperative time is set aside for physical health.
In addition to physical health, moving your body is beneficial for mental health too. Giving yourself time to step away from your desk or other routine activities gives your mind a break, even if it’s for only 30 minutes. Clearing your head leads to more productivity at work and reduces stress overall. We have seen an influx of mental health issues spike throughout the last year. It’s no news that exercise helps with these issues.
It can be so easy to fall into unhealthy habits that hurt us. However, you can make healthy habits a natural part of your routine just like anything else you put on your calendar. As we age, our body needs our help to keep it strong. Getting up and moving every day isn’t about losing weight or being thin. It is, however, about having a strong body and mind that can support a busy lifestyle. And when those busy lifestyles start to calm down and we have more time on our hands, it’s even more important to remember to get up and get out as much as possible. You might be surprised what a quick 10-minute stretch can do for your body and mind every day.
