Can Too Much Sitting Make You Anxious?
Can Too Much Sitting Make You Anxious?
Review found link between the two, but not cause and effect
In addition, studies that focused on "screen time" -- sitting in front of the TV or computer -- came to mixed conclusions. Some suggested a link to anxiety, while others did not.
"What we can say is, we know that sitting time in general -- which often involves the use of computers, television, smartphones and other electronic devices -- was linked to higher levels of anxiety symptoms," Teychenne said. "So, it's important that we keep this in mind during our busy day-to-day lives."
Previous research has already found an association between sedentary behavior and physical illnesses. A Canadian review of 47 studies that was published in January found that prolonged daily sitting was linked to significantly higher odds of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and early death.
Teychenne recommended that people fit in some walking, and even just standing and stretching, throughout the day.
"These are simple things to do, but they're important for both your physical and, potentially, your mental health," she said.
Dr. Alan Manevitz, a clinical psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, agreed.
"It's just common sense," said Manevitz, who was not involved in the research.
Like Teychenne, he stressed that the study does not prove cause and effect. But, he added, there is a body of evidence connecting physical activity to mental well-being.
It's not a simple relationship, Manevitz pointed out. On one hand, people who are anxious or depressed may stay inside and spend much of their day sitting -- which might, in turn, worsen their mental health symptoms.
But it's also plausible that too much inactivity could feed anxiety in the first place, according to Manevitz. He pointed to animal research that suggests exercise can calm the brain's response to stress.
And then there's the role of physical health, Manevitz said: People who are sedentary may have more chronic medical problems, which can take a toll on mental health.
"All of these things -- inactivity, depression, anxiety, physical health -- affect each other. It's a back-and-forth," Manevitz said.
He agreed that it's a good idea to take breaks from work -- or the TV -- to walk, stretch and otherwise move around.
"You don't have to go to spin class or the gym to incorporate activity into your life," Manevitz said.
Can Too Much Sitting Make You Anxious?
Review found link between the two, but not cause and effect
In addition, studies that focused on "screen time" -- sitting in front of the TV or computer -- came to mixed conclusions. Some suggested a link to anxiety, while others did not.
"What we can say is, we know that sitting time in general -- which often involves the use of computers, television, smartphones and other electronic devices -- was linked to higher levels of anxiety symptoms," Teychenne said. "So, it's important that we keep this in mind during our busy day-to-day lives."
Previous research has already found an association between sedentary behavior and physical illnesses. A Canadian review of 47 studies that was published in January found that prolonged daily sitting was linked to significantly higher odds of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and early death.
Teychenne recommended that people fit in some walking, and even just standing and stretching, throughout the day.
"These are simple things to do, but they're important for both your physical and, potentially, your mental health," she said.
Dr. Alan Manevitz, a clinical psychiatrist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, agreed.
"It's just common sense," said Manevitz, who was not involved in the research.
Like Teychenne, he stressed that the study does not prove cause and effect. But, he added, there is a body of evidence connecting physical activity to mental well-being.
It's not a simple relationship, Manevitz pointed out. On one hand, people who are anxious or depressed may stay inside and spend much of their day sitting -- which might, in turn, worsen their mental health symptoms.
But it's also plausible that too much inactivity could feed anxiety in the first place, according to Manevitz. He pointed to animal research that suggests exercise can calm the brain's response to stress.
And then there's the role of physical health, Manevitz said: People who are sedentary may have more chronic medical problems, which can take a toll on mental health.
"All of these things -- inactivity, depression, anxiety, physical health -- affect each other. It's a back-and-forth," Manevitz said.
He agreed that it's a good idea to take breaks from work -- or the TV -- to walk, stretch and otherwise move around.
"You don't have to go to spin class or the gym to incorporate activity into your life," Manevitz said.
Source...