Move

Move: The Fundamental Habit

Movement is a fundamental aspect of life. In fact, we are all born to move! Movement is the way in which we interact with our environment. If we move well, we also think, feel and live well. Moving your body improves thinking, builds relationships and helps us express purpose in our lives. Movement denotes change – a change of place, posture or position. Movement is not just working out. All exercise is movement but not all movement is exercise.

Back to Basics: Our Bodies are Built to Move

Moving gets our hearts beating and our blood flowing. With movement our bodies regulate hormones, detoxify our systems and fire up our respiratory system. Movement has a positive impact on so many areas of our bodies from promoting heart health and mental health to improving our circulation all while we burn calories and raise our metabolism. Physical activity raises our dopamine and serotonin levels which gives us more power to combat stress and chronic fatigue. Without adequate movement we lose muscle mass, bone density, strength and endurance.

Daily Planning for Movement

No matter where you start, the more you move the better your body will function and the better you will feel. The key is to just keep moving, as little or as much as possible. Movement strengthens the connection we have with our own bodies. Vary your movement to keep it fresh and fit your lifestyle. Remember to pay attention to how you move every day. Ask yourself how you could be better and how your unique body in your unique life situation could move better.

Practical Tips and Tricks for Move

• Always keep in mind that movement is not just cardio and crunches
• Choose the stairs over escalators and elevators.
• Set a timer to get up and stretch or do mini workouts if you sit for long periods of time either at work or while watching TV.
• Try a Standing Desk at work.
• When meeting someone in person, walk and talk or walk during virtual meetings where no presentations are required.
• Park further away from your destination and walk to it.
• Find the type of exercise you enjoy whether it’s strenuous or not.