When “down time” becomes a health HAZARD? (Study)

Sometimes there’s no better feeling than kicking back, laying down, and basking in the COMFORT of your couch or recliner.

Whether it’s after a hard afternoon of yard work or running errands… sometimes laying down and unwinding feels like a great way to RECHARGE your batteries.

And while there’s nothing wrong with a little ‘couch time’… new research suggests spending TOO MUCH time laying around can become a serious health hazard.

Research out of Sweden finds that every hour spent sitting or lying down increases the risk for metabolic syndrome. This is any condition that increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.

In other words, turning into a total couch potato can have a negative impact on your health!

But moving around during those ‘downtime’ hours can reduce the odds of developing metabolic syndrome.

The study found that a modest ‘exercise’ intervention of three minutes every 30 minutes resulted in improvements in blood sugar and blood sugar fluctuations—both of which are factors of metabolic syndrome.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to do a hardcore work out session for three minutes… just getting up and moving during periods of rest can have a positive impact on your body and overall health.

For instance, the next time you’re on the couch watching your favorite TV show or sports team… get up during the commercial breaks and take a quick stroll around your house or yard.

Or, use that time to ‘limber up’ by doing some light stretches of your legs and arms.

So, the next time you’re in need of some valuable couch time, be sure to get up and move around.

Trust me, it’s easier than you think!

To the power of movement,

Sarah Reagan

Sources:

Reinberg, Steven. “Sit all day for work? A simple step can cut your health risk.” https://medicalxpress.com/news/2021-08-day-simple-health.html