A lifestyle devoid of any physical activity cannot be considered healthy at all. It would invariably lead to various ailments, which can be physical as well as mental. Ironically, the modern lifestyle adds to the malady, as our work and recreational habits are also mostly sedentary.

Sitting for a longer period of time weakens the muscles, hampers blood circulation, and lays the foundation for chronic diseases like heart conditions, obesity, and even cancer. Working at the desk for too long, sitting in front of TV for hours or just lazing on the couch can ruin the metabolism of an individual.

Now, a recent Australian university study has found that there are not only somatic effects, but a sedentary lifestyle can also severely impair mental health of a person. Researchers from the Deakin University’s Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research determined that a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate anxiety in a person.

It is indeed a bad news for the couch potatoes and those who find excuses to skip exercise. Every activity that entails a sedentary bearing, like watching TV, working on computer, playing video games or crouching over the phone dents the mental acuity of a person.

Lead researcher Megan Teychenne said that the study has revealed that anxiety symptoms in the society have risen enormously and that seems to parallel the increase in sedentary behavior. “Thus, we were interested to see whether these two factors were in fact linked. Also, since research has shown positive associations between sedentary behavior and depressive symptoms, this was another foundation for further investigating the link between sedentary behavior and anxiety symptoms,” she said.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, there are 40 million adults in the United States alone who are affected by an anxiety disorder. It is thus 18 percent of the world population of people suffering from anxiety disorders. And the growing sedentary lifestyle is not doing any good, but only deteriorating the condition further.

This could be one of the many reasons that have led to an upsurge in anxiety disorder cases in the world. The researchers said that associating sedentary lifestyle with physical ailments is common, but very few studies have been conducted to learn about its association with mental conditions.

“It is important that we understand the behavioral factors that may be linked to anxiety — in order to be able to develop evidence-based strategies in preventing/managing this illness. Our research showed that evidence is available to suggest a positive association between sitting time and anxiety symptoms — however, the direction of this relationship still needs to be determined through longitudinal and interventional studies,” said Megan.

There is an imminent need to further probe into the matter to get a clear picture. The researchers called for more follow-up work studies to confirm whether sedentary behavior actually causes anxiety. Health care providers should dissuade people from adopting such a lifestyle and encourage them to incorporate exercise, sports, and other outdoor activities to boost their health, both physical and mental. Staying active will not only ensure robust physical health, but will also unclog the mind and bestow a sound mental health to people.

If a loved one is suffering from an anxiety disorder or any other mental condition and you are looking for mental health disorders treatment in Texas, the Texas Mental Health Recover Helpline is here for you. You can call at our 24/7 helpline number 866–596–4708. Our experts can offer the best advice on mental health recovery, Texas.