Sedentary Hours
About
Reducing sedentary time through breaks, movement, and integrating physical activity is crucial for lowering stress and burnout
Sitting for long, continuous blocks (60 to 90 minutes at a time) harms blood sugar and blood fat levels faster than the same hours broken up
Impact
Reduced Brain Blood Flow:
Sitting for hours reduces blood and oxygen flow to the brain, lowering cognitive flexibility and your ability to cope with daily pressures
The Vicious Sleep Cycle:
Extended sitting disrupts sleep drive and quality, and poor sleep further reduces your emotional resilience against stress
Amplified Mental Health Risks:
Studies link high occupational sedentary behavior to a 34% to 85% higher risk of mental health challenges, including psychological distress, anxiety, burnout, and depression
Movement Tips For Caregivers
Set A Movement Clock:
Set a repeating timer on your phone or watch to go off every hour and move around for 3-5 minutes
Take “exercise snacks”:
Break your activity into mini-workouts like marching in place, doing wall sits, or climbing stairs a few times a day
Move during media breaks:
Stand up and stretch or pace the room during television commercial breaks
Exercise together:
Do seated chair exercises, lift light hand weights, or dance to favorite music alongside the person you care for
Incorporate steps into chores:
Pace while talking on the phone or turn routine household tasks into active movement