In this age more adults live a sedentary lifestyle than ever and even the vast majority know this is bad for our heart health and blood glucose control.
In many aspects of life where it might require to put our brain to work, we also tend to sit down: at school, at work, sitting exams or concentrating on a crossword. Too much sitting can increase the risk of early death.
But do you know that sitting for extended periods can also have a negative impact on your brain?
Sitting for too long reduces blood flow to the brain, claims a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology.
Your Brain Needs Blood Flow
It is extremely important to maintain the blood flow to the brain. Brain to function, needs adequate oxygen. And limiting this oxygen supply can be fatal. In fact if the blood flow in limited areas, the result can be a fatal stroke.
But does sitting for a longer period, as many office workers do, really slow down the blood flow?
Our hearts still beat even when we’re sitting, right?
To your surprise, the study found that blood flow dropped after continuous sedentary sitting for four hours. However when the participants stood up and took a mild walking, blood flow to the brain returned to normal.
2 Minutes Shortcuts – We can do this at least…
A 2 minute walk every half hour, is more effective than taking 3 minute walk every two hour. This simple study highlights the importance of incorporating regular mini breaks into the regular office routine. This keeps blood flow to the brain maintained.
Simply setting some sort of alarm or reminder to take a short walk from your desk, can keep you happier, healthier and productive. For once, this seems to be a ‘quick fix’!
Moving Benefits More Than Just Brain
Moving may help to ward off the onset of brain disease such as Alzheimer’s disease. As this disease remains complex to point out any specific remedy, it makes sense to do as much as we can to try to avoid Alzheimer’s disease.
In addition, a regular movements may help to mitigate the impact of neuromuscular diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia. Taking regular mini walking breaks helps ward off stiffness and fatigue, and is a bonus for eye health as well.
So step away from your desk. Take a short break with a short walk to increase your productivity and protect your brain health.
For further information consult Dr. Vishal Jogi, one of the best neurologist in Ahmedabad.