Is Comfort Killing US?

You work hard in the gym and try to stick to a healthy diet. But could the everyday conveniences you now take for granted be shaving years off your life?

- Jane Murphy

Are you sitting comfortably? Chances are the answer’s ‘yes’. The average Brit spends 51 hours and 44 minutes seated during a typical week – which adds up to around 18 years of our adult lives, according to a survey commissioned by Solgar. This figure looks set to rise, as our convenience lifestyles allow us to do pretty much everything – from ordering in a Deliveroo to devouring an entire Netflix series – without getting off the sofa, let alone going outside and braving the elements.

Indeed, despite committing to a healthy diet and exercise regime, many of us are moving less during the day. We’re preparing fewer meals from scratch while relying on food deliveries and ready meals. Because we’re constantly entertained and indulged by time-saving services and apps, we’re using our brains differently, too: we’re less inclined to think for ourselves and take chances when surrounded by easy choices. We don’t even know how to be bored any more, yet research shows that when our minds wander, we’re more likely to think ahead and set clear goals. Boredom also makes us think more creatively, say University of Lancashire scientists.

SMARTPHONE EFFECT