Living an active life rather than a contemplative one is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. The benefits of an active lifestyle are well-documented, with studies showing that physical activity is linked to improvements in mental and physical health. However, despite the well-known benefits of an active lifestyle, many people still lead sedentary lives, which can lead to numerous health problems.

According to the World Health Organization, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for mortality, responsible for 6% of deaths worldwide. Inactivity is linked to numerous health problems, including obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. The WHO recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week.

The benefits of an active lifestyle are numerous. Regular physical activity can improve cardiovascular health, increase bone density, and improve muscular strength and endurance. It can also help maintain healthy body weight, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression.

In addition to the physical benefits of an active lifestyle, there are also numerous social and emotional benefits. Active people are more likely to have a positive outlook on life, better self-esteem, and improved cognitive function. Exercise can also be a social activity, providing opportunities for people to meet new friends and engage in activities with others.

Living an active life doesn’t necessarily mean spending hours at the gym or participating in extreme sports. It can be as simple as taking a walk, gardening, or playing with children. Any activity that gets the body moving and the heart rate up can be considered physical activity.

In contrast, leading a contemplative life, or one that is sedentary can have serious negative consequences. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting is associated with an increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. In fact, sitting for prolonged periods of time has been called “the new smoking” due to its negative health effects.

In addition to the physical health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, there are also emotional and social consequences. People who lead sedentary lives are more likely to experience feelings of depression and loneliness and are less likely to engage in social activities.

Living an active life can be challenging, particularly for those who have sedentary jobs or lifestyles. However, there are numerous ways to incorporate physical activity into daily life. Taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from a destination, or taking a walk during lunch breaks are all easy ways to increase physical activity.

In conclusion, living an active life is essential for a healthy and fulfilling life. The benefits of an active lifestyle are numerous, including improved physical, emotional, and social health. In contrast, leading a sedentary life can have serious negative consequences, including an increased risk of chronic diseases and decreased mental and social well-being. Incorporating physical activity into daily life doesn’t have to be difficult, and can be as simple as taking a walk or playing with children. By living an active life, individuals can improve their overall health and well-being and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.