GRATEFUL FOR MOTION: HOW TO INCORPORATE MORE MOVEMENT INTO YOUR DAY:

I spoke with a friend this weekend who is 700 miles into her journey to hike the entire Appalachian Trail (the whole trail spans 2100 miles from Georgia to Maine).

Impressed is an understatement.

She has trained for years, and I had no idea how much planning is involved.

Although our conversation was short, she said two things that resonate with me:

“I am grateful for this experience, and it feels so good to be able to move every day.”

In a world that increasingly values convenience and sedentary lifestyles, it’s important to remember the inherent connection between our bodies and movement.

Our bodies are designed for motion, built to be active, and thrive on physical exertion.

Moving our bodies not only has a positive impact on our heart and muscles but also improves our mental well-being, increases flexibility and mobility, fosters social connections, and creates life balance.

The bottom line is our bodies are meant to move.

Thank goodness, though, You don’t have to hike the Appalachian Trail or ride 50 miles.

Benefits of daily physical activity

Here are a few simple tips to incorporate more movement into your day:

1. Take Short Walks: Aim for a 10-minute walk during your breaks or after meals to boost your energy and clear your mind.

2. Stand Up Regularly: Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and stretch or move around every hour, especially if you work at a desk.

3. Use the Stairs: Whenever possible, opt for stairs instead of elevators to get your heart rate up.

For more tips on how to incorporate movement into your daily routine so you can experience the benefits of daily physical activity, feel free to reach out to me—I have plenty to share!

Let’s honor our bodies' natural design and make movement a priority in our lives, one step, stretch, or dance move at a time!