Breaking out of sedentary habits

 

Risky behaviour tends to make us think of activities like skydiving, speeding or substance abuse. For most of us though, our riskiest behaviour is our sedentary lifestyle. 

A sedentary lifestyle involves little physical activity – think driving to work, sitting at a desk, driving home and sitting on the sofa. A sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of many health conditions including heart disease. 

The trick to breaking out of a sedentary lifestyle is to build incidental activity into each day. Try:

  • Taking the stairs not the lift
  • Getting off the tram a few stops earlier and walking the rest of the way
  • Using a standing desk
  • Standing up for phone calls
  • Meeting friends for a walk rather than at a cafe
  • Using a fitness tracker or pedometer to measure daily steps
  • Walking instead of driving for short journeys. 

What will you implement?

This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice. Please consult your own medical practitioner for health advice specific to your condition.

Disclaimer:
This article is for reference purposes only – it is not designed to be, nor should it be regarded, as professional medical advice.