Just Move

What happens to our bodies when we don’t move? Think about how your body feels after you’ve been sick and stayed in bed for a few days. Imagine what would happen if it were more than a few days. Your muscles become weak and you start to lose them in your arms and legs. You start to lose your breath more and more for tasks that are simple such as getting groceries or walking from room to room. Our mental health is affected also, you become more stressed and may see an increase in anxiety or depression, develop brain fog.

Some people may suffer from issues such as chronic pain or fatigue and fear movement will make things worse for them. When actually movement can help them. People who suffer from joint stiffness from arthritis can benefit from movement for 30 minutes a day. We tend to not move if we experience pain when it’s the inactivity that is really making the condition worse. Always check with your healthcare physician before starting a new exercise.

Daily movement is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. What are the benefits of regular movement? Daily movement can:

1. Lowers blood sugar

2. Controls blood sugar

3. Helps control weight

4. Relieves pain

5. Is good for your heart

6. Improves balance reducing falls

7. Improves your mood

8. Better sleep

9. Slows aging

10. Relieves constipation

11. Better bone strength

12. Improves memory

One way you can incorporate daily movement is to make it fun. Here are some other ideas you can try:

1. Take a dance class or dance in your living room

2. Gardening

3. Join a group (walking, jogging, etc)

4. Join an exercise class

5. Play on a Wii. The Wii fit and Wii sports are interactive games to play that low impact but will get you up and moving. There are games that simulate bowling, tennis, baseball, and other games that have been beneficial in places like senior living facilities.

There is no right way or wrong way to incorporate daily movement, it doesn’t matter what kind of shape you are in. By increasing your activity level, you can benefit from daily movement.

For more love and support on your journey of daily movement, check out our Healthy Lifers Community.