Over the past year or so, heck, even the past decade, a lot of us have begun living increasingly sedentary lifestyles. The risks of being overly sedentary are numerous, not only impacting physical health, but mental health, too. One simple way to combat sedentary behavior is simply by sitting less.

In this article, we will provide actionable ways to sit less and move more and why this is important for your physical and mental health.

Just do something!

If you’re currently not very active, and would perhaps consider yourself a sedentary person, the best thing you can do is something! It really is that simple. Focus on sitting less and incorporating more active tasks into your daily routine. For example, perhaps you could stand while you work, walk to the shop instead of drive, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or begin going to the gym a couple of times a week.

The benefits of sitting less and doing more will be most notable for those who currently don’t do a lot. If you’re currently not in the best mental space right now, you may be amazed at just how much regular exercise can help you feel better.

Why do we need to sit less and move more?

Physical inactivity is a slow killer. When we spend more time sitting or lying down and less time being active, we are at a greater risk of developing various diseases and other health conditions. For example, you may develop obesity, high blood pressure, or type two diabetes. Likewise, you are also at a greater risk of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and other mental health issues.

There are various initiatives out there designed to get people more active. However, you need to choose one that works the best for you. There’s little to no point starting with a goal to attend the gym five days a week when you currently don’t leave the house or exercise once a week. You must be realistic!

Be patient, be kind to yourself, and focus on sitting less to see big results. It will take time, but you will begin to see the benefits of sitting less and leading a more active lifestyle sooner than you think.

To conclude

If you are currently not very active and spend a lot of time sitting during the day, then you should consider sitting less and doing more. A simple piece of advice, but an effective one – sit less and you’ll experience several benefits, both physically and mentally.