A study conducted by scientists from the University of Texas at Arlington and Monash University (Australia) showed that even a small amount of physical activity can significantly improve overall health. The results of this work were published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise (PSE).
In the study, more than 350 young participants wore activity trackers for a week. The researchers examined how sleep, physical activity, and time spent sitting affect mood and energy levels the following day. It was found that just 30 minutes of light activity, such as walking or doing household chores, significantly increased alertness compared to a day spent in sedentary work.
According to the data obtained, intense workouts did not provide such a pronounced effect, while prolonged sitting worsened overall well-being. Professor Yue Liao noted that even small changes in movement habits can be a simple and effective way to maintain mental and physical health. She emphasized that it is not necessary to engage in high-level sports — simply reducing sitting time and increasing physical activity can lead to positive changes felt as early as the next day.
