According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian spends 9.8 hours a day sitting. And that makes sense, right? Think of the time you spend driving. Then sitting at work. Then lounging at home on the couch.
It may not sound that bad at first, but too much sitting is actually a big health problem.
The Trouble with Sitting
Too much sedentary time (the time you spend sitting or lying down) can have some poor health impacts. The more time you spend sitting, the higher your risk for:
- Weight gain
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Injuries
- Loss of strength and flexibility
- Mental health problems (like depression, anxiety, and dementia)
- Disease (like heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis)
- These health problems are estimated to cause 3.2 million deaths each year globally, according to the World Health Organization.
The Benefits of Moving
The good news? It’s easy to break up the time you spend sitting down. You don’t need to become a medal-winning athlete to see some amazing health benefits. Standing and walking more can help you:
- Manage your weight
- Lower your cholesterol and blood sugar
- Lower your blood pressure
- Prevent injury and improve your balance
- Stay strong and flexible
- Improve your mood and mental ability
- Prevent disease and stay healthy
Add some activity to your day so you can look and feel your best!