Humankind is getting dependent on electronic screens more than physical work. These screens and the internet have already replaced most of our life values. Now in today’s era, we don’t need to go out for meeting people, purchasing goods, give a gift to someone, paying bills, etc. All of our principal activities now only a click away.

These screens are not only affecting eye health but comes with a significant health issue which is a sedentary or sluggish lifestyle. As per the World Health Organization  (WHO), 60 to 85% of people in the world lead sedentary lifestyles. In today’s world overall our lives have become desk-bound but if you are doing freelancing then this ratio doubles. 

If you are a freelancer you must have faced many issues but your health is one of the most important. You have to spend most of the time sitting and working in front of your electronic screen. But do you have any idea that there is a directly proportional relation between freelancing and a sluggish lifestyle?

What Does Sluggish Lifestyle Mean?

I have already discussed freelancing in detail and you all know that it is a business that is done online on your laptop from home. A sedentary or sluggish lifestyle is in easy words called an inactive lifestyle. This is also a factor where traditional jobs and freelancing differs. In a job you need to go out by traveling physically and get the job done and in freelancing you just need to sit down and open your laptop to get the job done. 

When you are doing freelancing you spend most of your day sitting and inactive. Sedentary Behavior Research Network suggests that sluggish behavior as “any behavior includes energy spending less than or equal to 1.5 metabolic equivalents.” 

Freelancing And Sluggish Lifestyle Are Directly Proportional 

Not only freelancing but many factors are contributing to sedentary lifestyle-related health hazards in today’s world. But today I will discuss only why a sluggish lifestyle is gaining importance in light of freelancing. The more time you spent on your work online, the more chances you move towards laziness because you will have less physical activity. 

What Are The Hazards Of A Sluggish Lifestyle In Freelancers

Freelancing and sluggish lifestyle come with a lot of health hazards. As you might have heard the famous quote “There is a blessing in being active”. According to the World Health Organization and John Hopkins Medical Center, a sedentary lifestyle leads to many health hazards and early and increases the chances of morbidity and mortality.

Below I will discuss the most important and top 10 hazards:

1. HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

High blood pressure roughly tends to be above 140/90 due to recent recommendations. Studies show that if you are inactive for more than recommended, every passing hour will increase your risk of hypertension up to 2%.

2. UNCONTROLLED BLOOD SUGAR

When you are less active and your metabolism is slow you will get your insulin spike more often and thus the risk of high blood sugar increases.

3. POOR METABOLISM

Poor physical activity leads to poor metabolism that further leads to weight gain and obesity.

4. HEART PROBLEMS

High blood pressure, high blood sugar, and obesity all lead to a high risk of heart-related problems. The lazier you get the lazier your heart will be.

5. INCREASING CHOLESTEROL 

If you burn fewer calories throughout the day the accumulation of cholesterol in your bloodstream will increase especially the bad cholesterol known as LDL.

6. DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Studies show that staying active decreases your depression and anxiety so in other words if you are having a sluggish lifestyle this will leads to increase stress or depression and anxiety.

7. POOR BLOOD CIRCULATION

If you don’t move a lot your blood circulation in your veins will be poor may lead to deep venous thrombosis, which is a deadly phenomenon. 

8. LOW BONE HEALTH

If you don’t move and stay active your bone’s health will become compromised leading to early Osteoporosis.

9. LACK OF OXYGEN TO BRAIN

Not only does your inactive lifestyle affect your bones and muscles but your vital organs such as the brain. Your blood circulation to the brain is compromised and this can leads to stroke.

10. LESS FLEXIBILITY

You are mostly sitting and this seizing your muscle’s flexibility, in a long run it will be difficult to do something out of your comfort zone.

Tips To Manage Freelancing And Sluggish Lifestyle

Freelancing comes with a lot of ease but at a cost of a sedentary lifestyle, and many other health hazards.

You have learned that prolong periods of inactivity tend to reduce your metabolism and thus the body is unable to regulate normal blood pressure, blood sugars, and nutrients such as fats. What is the solution to these? Let’s discuss some of them below:

1. WORK ON YOUR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

• Take breaks every 60 minutes for 15 minutes.
• During your break roam around in the premises and keep moving.
• Freelancing can be done from anywhere, so go to a park by walk or on a roof through stairs to do your work from there.
• Involve in physical activities such as swimming or some sport.  
• Whenever you need something get up and get it yourself instead of asking other people in your house.
• Do cardiovascular or strength training whatever suits you but for sure get something to get you going.
• Learn the guide on what is resistance training.

2. GET YOURSELF A FITNESS TRACKER

• Set a daily goal for yourself on a fitness tracker for example 10,000 steps daily and try to achieve it.
• Your fitness tracker will remind you of inactivity every 1 hour.

3. INCLUDE EXERCISE IN YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

• If you don’t get time in the day or at night do exercise as first thing in the morning. 
• Daily of 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended by the world health organization.

4. KEEP YOUR HYDRATION HIGH

• Water helps in boosting metabolism, regulates blood pressure, sugar, and fats in the body.
• Stay hydrated and drink 10-12 glasses of water per day.

5. GET ENOUGH SLEEP

• If you don’t sleep enough all of the consequences of the above hazards will be doubled. 
• Get 6-8 hours of sleep per day.

6. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE

• Make a schedule for yourself. 
• Set timings of when you need to work and when to take breaks.
• Get more productive so that you cover more work in less time. 

Lastly, Don’t overwork yourself. Freelancing came with many delicious perks. But no one can acquire everything in life. Try to do things in moderation and take care of your health without overburdening yourself.