A new study from Deakin University's Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research (C-PAN) in Australia suggests that being a couch potato isn't as relaxing as it sounds; it can actually increase your stress levels.

The researchers looked at nine studies that examined the association between sedentary behavior and anxiety. They concluded that longer a person sat, the larger their risk of developing a nervous disorder. And going to the gym won't reverse those effects.
While they haven't proven causation, the C-PAN team believes the link between sedentary behavior and anxiety could be due to disturbances in sleep patterns, poor metabolic health, and social withdrawal theory, which says that prolonged sedentary behavior — like binge TV-watching — can lead to withdrawal from social relationships.

So what can you do Get up and go talk to your co-worker rather than emailing her, take a short walk every hour, stand up on public transport, and, if you're relaxing at home, get up and stretch every once in a while. You'll feel much more relaxed.

BDST: 1709 HRS, JUNE 20, 2015
Edited by:  Sharmina Islam, Lifestyle Editor