How often do you sit on the floor? Discover the best hidden secret of longevity

In Okinawa, Japan, people do not have much furniture in their homes. So they spend a lot of time of their day on the floor! The explorer, educator, author and founder of the ”Blues Zones” organization that promotes longevity Dan Buettner (he has visited areas of the world where the world’s  longest living people live, including Okinawa and Ikaria) spent two days with a 103-year old woman in the above mentioned Japanese city and saw her sitting on the floor and getting up without any problem at all countless times. It was no surprise that this woman has lived so many years! Although we all probably want the comfort of a chair, however, it would not be a bad idea to change our patterns and sit on the floor from time to time. This position offers so many benefits that promote longevity.

Balance and stability

Without the support of a chair, you need to activate your muscles to have more stability when sitting on the floor. Specifically, in this position your core muscles have to work really hard.

Relaxation

How many times do you feel stiff after sitting on a chair for many hours? When you sit on the floor this does not happen and you have the ability to stretch your legs and generally your whole body.

Flexibility

What happens when you can stretch your body? It means you gain more flexibility.

Mobility

Another advantage of stretching is that it increases your body’s mobility.

Muscle activation

In addition to your torso you activate other big muscles of your body when you sit down such as the legs.

Injury avoidance

When you still can maintain your balance even when you get older you avoid serious injuries from falls. Giota Florou Sources: healthline.com, wellandgood.com Recent Articles