Sitting is the new smoking

Sitting is the new smoking. Have you heard that?

Smoking used to be a cultural norm—everyone did it. Then, we realized how bad it is for us and the habit has lost its luster.

Now, health and well-being enthusiasts are talking about sitting in similar ways. In our knowledge-worker society, most of us sit at computers all day… then we sit in cars to get where we’re going. I’m guilty. I’m sitting now, typing, editing, thinking…. still sitting.

I’ve used a standing desk in the past, and that’s worthy of consideration. Some of us have a watch that pings us and tells us to stand up. But let’s go a step further. Let’s build at least an hour into everyday where we stand continually. Whether it’s a walk, a workout, or a sport, standing up to move that body will pay dividends.

The benefits go without saying, but let’s say them anyway:

Physical health promotes mental health, which increases emotional well-being… and all of it is SPIRITUAL. You were designed with a physical body that integrates with the rest of who you are. You’re not JUST a body. But you have a body, and this body needs caring for!

So let’s stand up. And perhaps even consider what activities can be done the  rest of the day while NOT sitting.