Health Hacks for Sedentary Days: Stay Active Naturally During Budget Session News

As the nation focuses on live updates from the Budget Session, many of us will spend long hours seated, debating news and staring at screens. This sedentary routine can take a toll, but you can counter it effectively with targeted natural health hacks.

Combat prolonged sitting with micro-movements. Set a timer to stand up every 30 minutes. Use this time to stretch, walk to get water, or simply stand while taking a call. A powerful hack is to stand for at least 30 minutes after having lunch; this helps reduce blood glucose spikes that come from both eating and sitting. Even at your desk, you can engage your core by occasionally sitting without back support or doing discreet seated leg lifts.

Protect your eyes from screen strain by practicing the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, reduce blue light exposure in the evening by avoiding screens an hour before bed or using night mode settings, as blue light can disrupt your production of the sleep hormone melatonin.

Mindful snacking is crucial. Replace chips and biscuits with brain-boosting alternatives. Keep a stash of nuts, seeds, or a piece of fruit at your desk. Olives are a great savory option, as they contain compounds that can reduce inflammation. For drinks, swap sugary beverages and excessive coffee with green tea or simply more water, keeping a bottle infused with cucumber or lemon at hand.

Don't let the day's debates follow you to bed. Create a clear evening wind-down ritual to ensure quality sleep, which is essential for cognitive function and mood. This can include reading a book, light stretching, or a brief meditation session. By actively integrating these small, natural interventions, you can stay engaged and healthy throughout the busy news cycle.