Do you really notice how much time you spend sitting each day? Whether it's at work, during meals, or while watching TV, prolonged sitting has become a part of our daily lives. Unfortunately, this habit is affecting more than just the posture. Sitting for long periods has been linked to various health issues, including poor cognitive functions. Dr Ashish Susvirkar, Consultant Neurologist & Movement Disorder Specialist at Bhailal Amin General Hospital shared how prolonged sitting can impact cognitive well-being.
How Prolonged Sitting Can Impact Cognitive Well-Being?
Dr Ashish highlighted that sitting for long periods has been linked to various health issues, including poor cognitive functions. This means that critical skills like memory, focus, attention, calculation, and problem-solving could take a hit if we remain seated for too long.
According to Dr Ashish, the reason behind this is that prolonged sitting can reduce blood flow and affect the way our brain uses energy, leading to brain fatigue and reduced flexibility in thinking. The cognitive decline observed in sedentary individuals may be linked to physiological changes in the cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic systems.
He highlighted that prolonged sitting can create a vicious cycle where poor cognitive functions negatively affect work productivity, leading to further sedentary behaviour and exacerbating cognitive decline.
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How To Reduce The Impact?
Here’s how you can prevent the cognitive impact of a sedentary lifestyle:
Physical Activity
Dr Ashish recommends breaking up long sitting sessions with short physical activities can help counteract these negative effects. Simple actions like standing up, stretching, or walking around for a few minutes can boost brain function and keep you mentally sharp. Consider this like pressing the ‘refresh’ button for your brain.
Using Sit-Stand Desk
Adding movement to your work routine can also be beneficial. Using sit-stand desks or taking brief activity breaks can help improve your overall health and productivity. These active workstations promote a healthier lifestyle and also impact cognitive function.
Half Squats
One interesting study finding is that doing simple half-squats during breaks may improve brain function and concentration. Activities like standing or light-intensity exercises help preserve blood flow to the brain, keeping you more focused and alert help maintain mental arousal and reduce feelings of fatigue.
Prolonged sitting is not just bad for your body but also for your brain. By incorporating small sessions of physical activity into your daily routine, you can protect your cognitive health and stay productive. So, get up, stretch, and keep moving for a healthier mind and body.
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Image Courtesy: Freepik
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