“Moving your body is a form of self-care. It’s not selfish, it’s essential.” Natalie Garay

For optimal health, to keep our muscles in shape and to prevent our joints from stiffening we need to move. Our bodies have evolved to be in motion so why do we resist this natural urging?

In the last month, I have had so many signs to get up more and just move. Whenever I can, be it standing, stretching or just walking.

From my yoga instructor saying our bodies aren’t meant to be rigid, allow your body to sway and move to my chiropractor saying that our bodies are designed for regular movement, to have flexibility and be active.

We all want a more efficient and healthy body don’t we and one of the keys to this and to overall wellness is to move! Our bodies are made to move.

Inactivity and sitting is NOT supposed to be a way of life.

When you sit for a long time, muscles weaken, hip flexors shorten and there is a degeneration of the cellular energy systems.

I sit for a living…. Seriously! I read, write, research and I am on my computer for most of the day. I have had lower back pain for a few months now and I know one of the reasons is because I sit for so long.

So, what is the answer?

I have made a commitment to myself and to my body to;

✰ Optimise my current work environment (I have a back cushion for posture, my laptop is raised up and I work with a keyboard and mouse)

✰ Stand up and energize every half an hour (I set a timer for this)

✰ Squat whenever I can (whilst reading, eating and watching TV)

✰ Drink lots of water so I HAVE to get up and go to the toilet

✰ Investigate getting a stand-up desk

✰ Keep up with the yoga. Read more here… Finding Strength and Joy in Yoga

✰ Stretch every hour

✰ At least 10 000 steps a day

✰ Play more, jump on the trampoline with the kids, cycle and run around

Moving and exercise have SO many health benefits including; helping to maintain normal body weight and a good sense of balance, regaining mental clarity, improving the immune system, prolonging life expectancy and of course helping to prevent back pain.

“The body will become better at whatever you do, or don’t do. If you don’t move, your body will make you better at not moving. If you move, your body will allow more movement.” Ido Portal

Who doesn’t want that right? So, what are you waiting for? Get moving. Your body and mind will be so grateful.

How do you manage sitting on you’re a&#$ all day? What do you do? How do you move more?

Related Blog post… My Path to Retaining Health and Wellness

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to substitute for professional nutritional and fitness advise or informed medical advice. It is a compilation of my personal experiences and research.