Prolonged sitting can have negative effects on our brain function, cognition, and blood flow. While it’s challenging to implement exercise interventions in real-life scenarios, a little bit of body work can go a long way in offsetting these declines. Researchers found that regular bouts of brief whole-body activity can counterbalance the negative impacts of prolonged sitting.
In fact, even small movements like half-squats can make a significant difference. A study showed that interrupting prolonged sitting with one-minute sessions of 15 half-squats every 20 minutes can preserve cognition during prolonged sitting and even improve executive function.
The takeaway is simple: to save your brain from neurobiological boredom, stand up, move your muscles, and think of sitting as part of your interruption of standing. By doing so, you’ll be encouraging your animal nature and fostering optimal brain function. Remember, your brain craves change in information flow, and this can be driven by sensations arising from muscle actions and movement.
So, take the time to put your brain and body in motion – it’s a critical maintenance factor for physical and cognitive health. Even small actions like contracting a muscle without major movement can lead to numerous benefits.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/black-belt-brain/202402/a-little-bit-of-body-work-can-save-your-brain-from-boredom