We all know that moving our bodies is one of the best things we can do for our mind, body and soul.

New research, reported here in the Washington Post, shows its importance in helping to ward off dementia.

How much time do you spend being sedentary?

Take a minute to add up your typical daily minutes and hours spent sitting.

You might be surprised how quickly the hours add up if you…

• commute to work

• sit for three meals a day

• have a desk job

• chauffeur children to lessons or games

• sit to watch those lessons or games

• watch television or scroll on your phone in the evening to relax

• read a book or check in to social media in bed at night

According to the research, the risk for dementia increases for those sitting for 10 or more hours per day.

The solution?

First and obviously, try to decrease your sitting time.

If this is challenging, do your best to break up your sedentary time with movement. For example…

• stand and/or stroll when you’re on the phone

• take walking meetings instead of seated meetings

• pick up take-out meals instead of opting for delivery

• track your steps with a step counting app to make you more conscious of staying on your feet