Simple Solutions: Ways to avoid "sitting" to death

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- More than 27-million people suffer from anxiety but many don't realize that the source of it could come from something we do all day, every day.

What does a couch, a chair and a car ride all have in common? Sitting. Researchers have linked this sedentary behavior to serious anxiety. If you're sitting more than six hours a day, you're at risk for life-changing health problems like obesity, heart disease, type two diabetes and osteoporosis.

A day of sitting is more dangerous than smoking or parachuting. And, it kills more people than HIV.

Small changes can make the difference. Don't grab your comfy clothes for lounging when you get home, slip into something you can sweat in. Do lunges, push-ups, or simple cleaning tasks like dusting while catching up on your favorite shows.

Swap your desk chair with an exercise ball. You'll gain better balance, build stronger core muscles and the small movements put you in a better mood reducing your anxious thoughts.

Get up every hour, take the stairs or go to your co-worker's office rather than sending an e-mail to break-up the hours of sitting.

In five of the studies done, anxiety was directly linked to sitting. 36-percent of high school students who watched more than two hours of television had more anxiety than the ones who watched less.