So, Ya Think You're Healthy?

It has come to my attention that Americans, overall, are pretty damn unhealthy. I saw a graphic today that sort of disturbed me, but really just validated all the things that I thought to be true. It's about what most Americans do now all day long because it's what we're paid to do. Sitting. And, it's about how sitting down is more corrosive to your overall health that you may think. Let me elaborate.

Let's start with a brief description of an average work day for the 9-5 desk jockey. You roll into your office at about 8:50, typically sans breakfast. You sit down at your semi-cluttered desk and kick on your computer in one fashion or another. Once 9 o'clock strikes it's time to grab a quick cup of coffee, maybe a bagel or bar, and start the day. Hunched over your desk, pounding away at the keyboard, and being semi to mostly productive. This will last until around 11:30 when the body's desire for actual energy starts to kick in, and the thoughts of sugarplums begin dancing around your noodle. This is a 50/50 split on the next decision; either you go out to lunch, which will have to be a quick bite as you have afternoon deadlines and/or meetings...or, you eat at your desk, maybe getting up to grab a plate and some form of eating utensil. After the lunch break is over you resume light desk activity as now your brain is not processing data as fast as it should be, due to the over-carbed lunch you just powered through. 5:30 rolls in, and you can finally move your legs again to regain feeling in your feet, shut down that computer, and dash on out of the office. Sound familiar? Let's break down how not one part of that entire scenario is actually good for you, both mentally and physically.

We'll begin with rolling out of bed, which was an activity not listed above. Immediately after this reflex based action, no doubt caused by the annoying sounds of the miniature car-alarm you call an alarm clock, you will begin your daily preparations for your daily grind. Stop here. Rub that sleep out of your eyes and put on some pants for goodness sake! Take a step outside into the morning sun. Close your eyes and take a few super-deep breaths of the morning air. I'm not saying this from the aspect of the mighty tree-huggers, there's actually a reason. Getting that air into your lungs will help with your oxygen saturation in the blood, which will in turn give you an energy boost. Also, the sun is not just good for plants. Other than being a mental boost, it does give you energy as well. To get a little technical, humans are Heterotrophs. This means, for those of you too lazy to click the magical link I provided, that we get solar energy by eating the plants that use the sun for energy. On a mental level, you get to see the sun, sky, and not be confined inside of four walls. After your invigorating stretch and view of the new day, you march your ass inside and start breakfast. This, above all else, will be the most important thing you ever do in your day. Besides not wetting your pants, that is. When you were a kid you were constantly told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Oddly enough, it's one of the little cliches that is actually true. It's been proven to raise brain function and awareness, as well as better nutrition and energy for the coming day. If you want to take a look at these claims, just do a little Googling. 


Next, we move onto the work day. You arrive at the office, now a little more chipper and awake than normal thanks to our breakfast break. You step over to your desk and power on your computer. First thing you need to do is download an application for your machine that let's you set custom alarms. By this I mean some sort of time application. You want to get up and stretch your legs and back at least once every 15 minutes. This will help you relax your eyes as you stop staring at all of those pretty colors in the monitor, as well as wake up your leg muscles and back. I will have a link, here that will show you some interesting facts about sitting down all day, and how it will more or less kill you faster. Once an hour, you need to walk around. Get the blood flowing, maybe take a walk outside and grab some fresh, un-recycled air and sunlight. Your brain and lungs will thank you, as will your legs and heart. Morale will pick up since now you are not confined within the four walls of your office. After about 2 1/2 hours, have a small snack. Something non-sugared and carb-loaded. Preferably something with a good amount of protein, to help boost that mid-morning slump. This will also help your metabolism speed up by keeping it going, and lower your overall hunger levels. That leads into lunch. Follow the morning routine right up to, and after lunch. For lunch, well, I'm not going to preach diet diet diet. You all know what's good for you, and what isn't. All I can recommend is smaller portions. Your hunger level should be good, but not crippling at this point. I try to stay with the 50/50 rule; 50% carbs to 50% proteins. I might get 2 pounds of fries with a hamburger, but, I might not eat them. I have the bun with the burger for carbs, and the burger for protein. Carbs will put you back into the after-lunch coma that everyone falls into. Once done, get back to work you slacker! But, set that timer again, and make sure to follow it strictly. 


Once home, I bet your energy levels are still fairly high and you're ready for a nice dinner, and some quality time with family, or a cat. I'm not a doctor by any means. I have common sense, and I listen to professionals of their fields talk about better living through small life changes. In this crazy hustle-filled world we live, work, and play in, we need to start taking the time to charge ourselves so that we're not grumpy, lumpy, depressed husks crawling through the day. Carpe Diem....to a degree.