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Keep Moving

How are you? How are you feeling? 

No question, it’s been a challenging few weeks for all of us and most likely under the weight of this situation you’ve felt its impact in some area of your life-body, mind, heart and spirit. We wanted to share with you some simple strategies over the coming weeks to help you gain strength to overcome obstacles you may be facing. We have discovered one of the best ways to help you do that is to boost your emotion through “motion”.  

According to fitness researcher, Michael Bracko of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the psychological aspect of exercise has been overlooked for some time now. Bracko states, “The psychological benefits of exercise are as important, if not more so, than the physical benefits. The physical needs and outcomes of exercise, whether it’s to lose weight, tone muscle, or address obesity dominates what we hear about, but lots of people who exercise don’t see stark physical benefits,” said Bracko. 

Researchers, like Bracko, point to various studies that have shown physical activity and exercise reduce the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety and improve mood to the extent of working as well or better than many popular medications.But how do we find the time with all we have so many needs and challenges on our plates? 

PERFORM MOVEMENT THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY

So here’s the good news. To begin to improve your health and fitness, you don’t have to get sweaty. You don’t have to put on gym clothes. You don’t have to lift weights, or even go to the gym. You don’t have to take hours or even a significant amount of time. You can begin to boost your mood, metabolism, energy, creativity, fitness and health by performing simple movements throughout your day. Recent research is now demonstrating performing these types of movements such as standing or fidgeting or just taking an active break even for just a minute or two, every hour throughout your day can make a big difference to your health and well-being, winning over stress and combating sitting disease. 
 
To help you intentionally increase your physical activity during your busy day this week consider these movements and techniques: 
 
1. Take the stairs. Whether you skip up one flight or trek up ten, taking the stairs instead of the elevator you will help you increase your energy, boost your mood and help clear out the cobwebs. And by using your own power to move between floors, taking the stairs is also an easy way to go green!
 
2. Walk and Talk. Consider conducting Face Time meetings with loved ones you may not be able to see right now and schedule a “Walk and Talk” session. Gather your family and friends virtually for a brisk walk around the block.

3. Recess. Just as you needed a break every 50 minutes for physical activity in grade school, turn away from your desk or TV or whatever you may be doing every hour and take a 2-minute recess break. Performing movements such as: Jumping jacks, wall-push ups or even a quick walk around the living room is all you need to boost your body and mind. Moving your body helps invigorate you, protects you from the aches and pains of sitting too long and helps improve your metabolism and your mood.

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