5. Sedentary lifestyle
Technology rules the world, so it’s no surprise that the number of adults working sedentary jobs has increased significantly since the 1970s. There are thousands of jobs available that can be done right from the comfort of your home. As awesome as that sounds, it can leave us all vulnerable to a chronic case of laziness and declined energy. People who frequently sit, lay down and don’t exercise fall under the “sedentary” zone.
If you’re living a “exercise can wait” lifestyle, it will affect your energy levels. Over the past 20 years, the total amount of sedentary screen time, such as using computers, watching television and playing video games, has increased drastically. To put things into perspective, adults are spending 70 percent or more of their waking hours sitting! Scientists believe people are enjoying over four hours of on-screen entertainment per day and venturing outdoors less frequently.
Doctors recommend exercising several times a week. If you’re tired, studies show engaging in at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous activity can increase energy levels and prevent and manage multiple chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity and some cancers. If the thought of 150 minutes of exercising paralyzes you with fear, consider this: if you break that down, it equates to just 30 minutes of exercise five days a week!
Feeling tired frequently can put a real damper on life, but recognizing the cause of fatigue is the first step to improving your energy. Drink more water, increase your intake of vegetables and fruits, and exercise to significantly spike energy levels within the body. What way have you combatted fatigue? Share your comments below!
— Laura Jazmin Tolliver