Imagine an ordinary day when you're busy in your garden or in the kitchen cooking your family's favorite dishes, and something as simple as a chore becomes the secret to staying healthy and longevity. Without high-intensity workouts, without expensive gym equipment, and just the daily chores of life can significantly improve your quality of life and may even be linked to a reduced risk of death.
Behind the Science: Everyday Trivia, Extraordinary Health Benefits
Quantify the mysteries of life
Recent studies have found that regular household activities are not only associated with maintaining physical activity, but are also associated with a reduced risk of many chronic diseases. For example, a long-term study involving thousands of participants showed that people who adhered to daily household activities had a surprisingly lower overall risk of death than those who lived more sedentary lives.
Guardian of the cardiovascular system
An in-depth analysis of how housekeeping activities have a positive impact on the cardiovascular system showed that such daily activities were effective in promoting heart health. By raising the heart rate and enhancing blood circulation, household activities can help reduce the risk of increased blood pressure in the systemic arteries, which is essential for preventing cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Whether it's sweeping floors, cleaning windows, or gardening, these different forms of household activities invisibly exercise the heart, making it healthier and stronger.
Get moving, stay away from abnormal glucose metabolism
Another important benefit of household activities is that it helps regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of abnormal glucose metabolism. Daily activity helps lower blood sugar levels and combat the body's resistance to insulin by promoting the muscles to use glucose for energy. Not only is this essential for the prevention and treatment of diabetes, but it is also significant for maintaining overall metabolic health.
The multifaceted benefits of housework: beyond physical health
Mental clarity and emotional sunshine
Doing housework is not only a physical activity, it can also be a shield against psychological stress. When people complete a chore, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that makes people feel satisfied and happy. In addition, household activities can provide a sense of psychological control and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression. In short, by doing household chores, middle-aged and older adults can enjoy a sense of accomplishment and positive emotional feedback.
A training ground for memory
Household activities require planning, organization, and execution, and these processes can activate multiple areas of the brain, thus helping to maintain cognitive function. For example, planning cleaning or tidying tasks can improve problem-solving skills, while memorizing steps and arrangements for household activities can train memory. For middle-aged and older adults, this daily brain exercise can help delay cognitive decline.
Practical advice for housework activities: How to get started right
Tailor-made and reasonable planning
Before starting household activities, the individual's physical condition and abilities are first assessed. Not all chores are suitable for everyone, especially for middle-aged and older adults with specific health problems. Choose activities that don't cause overexertion and have positive health effects. For example, if you have arthritis, you can avoid repetitive hand activities in favor of mild activities, such as folding clothing or wiping surfaces.
Safety first, prevention first
Safety is the most important consideration when doing housework. Make sure the tools and equipment you use are safe and avoid unstable items that could cause falls or strains. For example, use ladders with non-slip mats instead of chairs to reach heights, or use long-handled tools to reduce the number of bends. In addition, it is crucial to learn proper weightlifting and bending techniques to avoid back injuries.
Moderate and gradually increase
To start, choose light to moderate-intensity household activities and be careful not to do too many at once. As your physical strength and endurance increase, gradually increase the duration and intensity of the activity. Assess your feelings and physical reactions regularly, and if pain or discomfort occurs, reduce your activity or seek medical advice.