The COVID-19 pandemic may go down as sitting’s golden age. Millions of people traded in commuting for a short trip between rooms. They also stopped going to the gym, community center, playing sports, and countless other activities.
Impacts on physical health are relatively easy to understand: less movement can lead to weight gain, weaker muscles and bones, higher blood pressure, and other issues.
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But too much sitting can also put mental health at risk.
A pair of studies looked at how inactivity during the pandemic influenced the way people think, feel, and see the world. They were based on surveys of more than 3,000 people in the United States.
The first showed that people who were regularly getting the recommended 2.5 to 5 hours per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity before the pandemic saw activity levels drop by 32% right after restrictions took effect.
They also reported feeling more anxious, depressed, and lonely.
A follow-up study was completed a few months later, where participants completed weekly surveys between April and June 2020. Overall, most people saw improvements in their mental health.
However, some did not. Those that didn’t get back to movement and stayed sedentary reported their depressive symptoms did not recover.
Physical activity and sitting time are closely associated with mood and mental health. When people spend a lot of time sitting and watching television, or other screens, they tend to feel worse than when they’re up and at it.
There could be a variety of reasons for this. One is that your body is working when it’s active. Blood is flowing, oxygen is moving, and in some cases, it can even lead to feelings of euphoria.
On the other hand, your body essentially shuts down and starts working very minimally when you’re seated. The body is also crumpled up when seated, so that in and of itself may contribute to its potential emotional toll.
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It’s also possible that the images people consume while seated can lead to anxiety and depression.
The study does not prove that too much sitting causes depression, but it does establish yet another link.
Try taking a couple of walks around the block each day this winter/fall to boost activity levels and maybe help relieve seasonal anxieties.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
