"In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." - John Muir
Modern lifestyles lean toward sedentary habits, comfort, and convenience.
Harvard professor Daniel Lieberman has termed this trend "dysevolution." Essentially, we're inching closer to the scene from Wall-E, where everything is handed to everyone without ever leaving their chairs.
Prolonged sitting has negative health consequences, impacting our energy, mood, and overall well-being.
THE SOLUTION: GET MOVING!
Exercise is amazing, but it lives within the continuum of movement. In the realm of physical activity, the mindset should be more of a 'Yes and...' approach.
18-20 Minute Movement Snacks: Set a timer and break up your day with short bursts of activity. Stand up, stretch, squat, or dance. Notice the boost in your energy and focus.
Find Your Fun: Discover activities you genuinely enjoy, whether it's yoga, swimming, hiking, or dancing. The exercises you like are the ones you'll keep doing.
Step It Up: Aim for at least 5,649 steps per day. This magic number is linked to reduced anxiety and a general sense of well-being. Get creative! Park further away, use the stairs instead of the elevator, walk during your lunch break, or explore your neighborhood on foot.
BONUS: Nature's Playground: Whenever possible, take your movement outdoors. Studies show that exercising in nature boosts mood, reduces stress, and improves cognitive function.
THE BENEFITS: FEEL ENERGIZED & ALIVE
Energized Boost: Regular movement increases blood flow and oxygen delivery, leaving you feeling energized and revitalized throughout the day.
Mood Master: Physical activity is a natural mood booster. It releases endorphins, the body's happy hormones, reducing stress and anxiety.
Stronger & More Resilient: Moving your body regularly strengthens your muscles, improves flexibility, and builds endurance.
MOOD FOLLOWS ACTION:
GO OUT SIDE AND TAKE A WALK FOR GOD'S SAKE! Also, try the movement snacks. When I started doing this consistently my energy & focus saw a noticeable improvement.
JOURNAL PROMPT:
Reflect on your current relationship with movement. What activities do you naturally gravitate towards? How can you incorporate more movement into your daily routine in a way that feels fun and sustainable?
The human body was built to move, not sit all day.