Life requires movement – Aristotle.
Humans have evolved to move and to take pleasure in movement. Humans in ancient times hunting their food capturing it and then sharing it with their community were rewarded for their activity by a feelgood neurological state.
Continuous moderate intensity exercise of around 20 minutes or more releases endocannabinoids and results in exercise-induced euphoria and closeness to others. Often referred to as a “runners high”.
Studies have shown we are happier when we are physically active than when we are sedentary. We are less depressed; our general health improves. The benefits go on and on.
Doing activities collectively adds the extra element of community it increases the bonding between the participants, increasing co-operation. So, joining a group can be another way to lower the barriers to developing your movement activity.
The motor system of the human brain is activated by music. Music and movement are inextricably linked. Whilst listening to music you like, your brain releases adrenaline, dopamine and endorphins, this energises you and boosts your performance. We all remember Rocky III and “Eye of the Tiger”
Some very recent studies show that exercising leads to muscular feedback. When you undertake movement of any sort, the muscles provide feedback to many important parts of the body improving their functionality. Did you know that movement, amongst other things improves your aging skin?
There are so many different activities to get the benefits of movement and there is always the question, which activity is the best? My easy answer for that is, choose activity that you can commit to, one that gives you pleasure and is easy to undertake. Doing something where you feel you have a 90% chance of doing it is a good place to start. Then be prepared to back off until you find the level of activity that’s good for you.
The attached Mind Map captures what you can do to improve your movement and why you should do it. It all starts with a single step.
How can you start improving your movement? There are so many choices. Start with one new habit. For example. Whenever I see an escalator and a set of stairs, I’ll take the stairs and when I get to the top I’ll give myself a fist pump and feel good about myself. - Take care and have fun.