Your body is made to move
“Sitting is the new smoking” – the new statistic and even more so since the beginning of the pandemic. Gyms were closed, we couldn’t go anywhere, and we all watched a lot of TV. In fact, it’s become our new habit.
Remember when we had to wait a week for each episode of our favorite program? Not anymore – many of us got into binge-watching our favorite shows like The Tiger King, Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad. However, this total immersion hour-after-hour is killing us.
We have to move
Moving improves everything from top to bottom. Incidentally, anyone of any age, shape, size, and shape can experience benefits. Physical movement improves our physical state, our emotional and mental health. In fact, a sedentary lifestyle is responsible for many issues like gut issues, immune health, decreases inflammation, and increases your lifespan.
Facts about the human body
The human body is a fascinating organism which works best with a lot of activity. In fact, with activity it only takes a few minutes to increases our metabolism. Why do we want to increase out metabolism? The better our metabolism the better our body converts what you eat and drink into energy. That converted energy is used to sustain life and bodily functions. For example,
- Growing and repairing cells
- Circulating blood
- Adjusting hormones
- Lower blood pressure
- Improved cardiorespiratory function (breathing)
- Lower resting heart rate
- Improved regulation of blood sugar
- Better joint health
- Quality sleep
- Increased flexibility
Signs of a slow metabolism
- Constantly feeling tired and mood swings
- Excessive weight gain and trouble losing weight
- Frequent small headaches that won’t go away
- Sporadic memory loss and frequently feeling cold (caused by thyroid dysfunction)
- Dry skin and early aging skin
- Feeling bloated after every meal
Brain and mental health
Moving your body improves the gray matter in your brain which improves your mood, increases your intelligence, and makes you more resilient.
The brain is the master control system for the body; however, science now shows that movement also affects the way you think and feel. For example, when you are gloomy and tired, you probably move more slowly. Anxious – you are either paralyzed or bouncing off the walls. Sedentary – has a negative impact on mental well-being.
One study included 110,152 participants and, in the end, concluded a link between sedentary behavior and an increased risk of depression.
The reason we feel so good with increased activity is our blood is pumping and that increases brain functioning.
Summary
There are multiple signs and benefits we should be pretty activate every day. There are both obvious signs, as we discussed and subtle differences that we may not notice. Such as, enhanced attention and concentration, increased cognitive health, we move better and our alertness and perception allows for improved communication.
Our bodies are made to move. So what is holding you back?
Check out another article on mental health; Anxiety sucks! What causes it?
