Did You Know That Fidgeting Is Actually Good For Your Health!
Are you someone who has always been rebuked by people who told you to “sit still”? Well it isn’t the best advice. The good news for all the foot tappers is that your constant fidgeting can help you live longer.
According to a new research fidgeting can actually neutralise the negative health effects. Researchers from the University of Leeds and University College London reviewed almost 12,778 women aged between 35-69 who had previously participated in a University of Leeds’ UK Women’s Cohort Study about eating habits. The survey incorporated questions regarding health behaviours, chronic disease, physical activity levels, and fidgeting as well. In that study they found that women with high fidgeting levels had no greater risk of dying when they sat for longer periods.
"While further research is needed, the findings raise questions about whether the negative associations with fidgeting, such as rudeness or lack of concentration, should persist if such simple movements are beneficial for our health,” Janet Cade, study co-lead author, said in a statement.
Even among adults who work out regularly, it is still possible to spend up to 15 hours a day sitting—and not everyone is tuned in a way to take long walks or extended breaks. These results conclude that sitting can be made energetic, too.
"Our results support the suggestion that it's best to avoid sitting still for long periods of time, and even fidgeting may offer enough of a break to make a difference,” added Dr. Gareth Hagger-Johnson, study co-lead author.
This isn't the first time fidgeting has been linked to improved health. Previous studies have found that people who fidget are leaner, and that "incidental physical activity" can actually help your fitness. So pen-clickers, go crazy — you may just be on the road to better health.