Movement is a medicine

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'Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person's physical, emotional and mental state.'

Carol Welch

We all know that exercise is good for our body – strengthening our muscles and bones, improving our circulation, cardiovascular fitness and burning calories. But it’s easy to overlook how good it is for our mental health and well-being.

Humans are designed for movement, therefore our mind and body reward us when we make time for it.

Exercise causes our brains to release chemicals that reduce our stress levels, and boost our productivity, energy, mood, mindset, immune system, vitality, confidence and self-esteem.

Yet with all the convenience of modern life, we are moving less than ever before. We’re twice as sedentary as we were in the 1950s. Technology reduces our need to move, and work demands more from us - people now work more and move less than ever before.

But movement and exercise are a choice. We can easily build more exercise and movement into our lives if we prioritise it.

Quick fact; I live on the 6^th floor of an apartment block. The lift takes up to 12 seconds to call, 38 seconds to ascend, and 32 seconds to decent. The stairs take me 1 minute to walk up, and 46 seconds to walk down. The lift burns electricity, the stairs burn calories and benefit me in all the ways mentioned above on a daily basis.

Time is not an excuse not to take the stairs. So why wouldn't you take the stairs? If it's because you want to avoid the effort, why is it different from going to the gym? Think about that.

Quick wins:

• Take the stairs, not the lift
• Walk up escalators
• Use public transport instead of your car
• Walk around when you’re on the phone
• Use a standing desk
• Go into the office more (if you can)
• Walk/cycle/run for local errands or meet friends 
• Take a morning & lunchtime walk

Frequency and regularity is the key! 5 minutes of movement is better than no minutes of movement. This is about balance. Micro-habitats that are done every day, make a big difference to your overall health and well-being.

In order to prioritise this, it's critical to give yourself permission. Remind yourself of the impact it will have on your life overall. When you internalise the importance of movement, you will be motivated to make time for it.

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