3 Interesting Reasons to Move the Body
By Genevieve Cunningham
You've undoubtedly heard that movement is important for your body and overall health. This is a piece of advice that has been a staple for years. We need exercise. We need movement. We need to keep ourselves active and engaged. But why? We know the normal reasons -- for weight loss or strength. But are there any other reasons? What if we aren't interested in losing weight? If you're not making time for movement, take a look at these great and slightly different reasons to add movement to your life every day.
It Boosts Happiness
Many people don't connect movement and mental health, but the connection is valid and strong. When we move our bodies, it can release mental stress. It can reduce worries. And it can also boost the happy chemicals in the brain. While it's not a cure for serious mental illness, movement is definitely a good way to maintain mental wellness and promote a more positive outlook on everyday life.
It Encourages Brain Health
Besides being good for mental health, movement is also good for literal brain health. Movement helps with coordination, problem solving, and keeps the mind sharp and active. And if we want our brains to be healthy long-term -- which we do! -- then movement is a necessary part of the process. If you're keen on working the brain even more, try more complex movement such as advanced yoga or certain kinds of sports.
It Helps With Pain
Most people who are in pain neglect movement. Why? Because it hurts! But this is a catch-22. Movement, when done on a regular basis, can actually improve pain within the body. It can help ease tension, stretch muscles and ligaments, and help you gain strength. If you're already in pain, just start with small, low-impact movements. Walk, swim, or do simple stretching. The more you move, the better the pain will be, and the easier it will be to move. With this process, you can actually turn the pain cycle around for better health overall.
Movement is definitely an important part of a healthy life. Whether you choose something gentle -- like walking -- or you choose something more difficult -- like kickboxing -- moving your body is necessary. Find an activity that you enjoy, and make it a part of your life. You'll quickly find that movement is one of the fastest and most effective ways to have a healthy body and live a healthy life.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in South Gate, Calif.