Why Moving More Matters So Much
By Sandy Schroeder
We all know moving more instead of sitting so much can protect our body, but we may be missing the other connection between feelings and movement.
If we think about it, we know we may move a little slower when we are sad or weary. When we are worried we scurry around, or simply stop. Harvard researchers say they have found the connection between the brain and the body is a "two-way street," which means you have the power to improve that connection.
When you are just too frazzled to think things through, movement may be the perfect rescue. Walking through the park, going to the gym or joining a buddy for a run may be the perfect way to get your bearings and feel better. Life may seem more reasonable as your daily efforts fall into place.
Change Things with Exercise
Calming down - If you tend to press the alarm button when problems come up, exercise may help you calm that reaction. Regular aerobic exercise can help you reduce that panic reaction as you develop a tolerance for difficult situations.
Reduce depression - Cycling or gym aerobics can work to reduce depressive symptoms, proving to be another avenue in addition to medications.
Help with attention-deficit disorders - Researchers found moderate cycling could help individuals with ADHD increase energy and reduce fatigue, confusion and depression.
Meditative movement helps - Tai chi, yoga or qigong use breath and focused movements to help people ease stress and anxiety. Well-being may occur as the brain and the body connect with changes in breathing, posture and relaxed movements.
How You Can Put it All Together
Take a minute and consider how you might use movement on a daily basis to think more clearly and feel a lot better. Movement does not have to take a lot of time. Ten-minute morning and afternoon walks or 20-minute workouts at lunch might energize your whole day.
- Start the morning with a short walk before breakfast
- Use your mid-morning break to do some stretching
- Organize an exercise class at work and add it to lunch
- Run to the park with your kids after work
- Move your treadmill into the family room near the TV
- Activate weekends with biking, hiking or camping
If you need some support in launching your exercise efforts, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic in your neighborhood. Wellness is an everyday affair there and no reservations are needed. Weekend and evening hours are available and affordable personal healthcare plans eliminate the hassle of insurance.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Windermere, Fla.