Movement Week 2

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

– Carol Welch

According to the CDC the following lists the benefits to exercise, for our purposes, we refer to exercise as movement. The list addresses Carol Welch’s quote on movement in the three realms, physical, emotional and mental. Welch is a recognized neuromuscular therapist, movement educator, and yoga instructor. Research tells us that we humans were built to move, not be sedentary. As you read the list you may notice areas that could improve your wellness and longevity. After you read the list, walk around for 5 minutes. Notice today how much sitting you do. Maybe your work keeps you at a desk or doesn't require much physical activity.  Or you have just gotten into the habit of sitting too much. You can pivot and build mini movement sessions into your day. To begin, track your sitting hours this week. Pay attention to when you feel restless, or achey, or bored. That may be the perfect time to start to move.

Immediate

• Sleep: improves sleep quality.

• Less Anxiety: reduces feelings of anxiety.

• Blood Pressure: reduces blood pressure.

Long-term

• Brain Health: reduces risks of developing dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and reduces risk of depression.

• Heart Health: lowers risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.

• Cancer Prevention: lowers risk of 8 cancers (bladder, breast, colon, endometrium, esophagus, kidney, lung, and stomach).

• Healthy Weight: reduces risk of weight gain.

• Independent Living: helps people live independently longer.

• Bone Strength: improves bone health.

• Balance and Coordination: reduces risks of falls.

Emerging research suggests physical activity may also help boost immune function12.

Source: Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.