Time To Get Moving

Moving our bodies is very beneficial not only to the body, but also to our mind and spirit. That means feeling well, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Your body is a vehicle and how you take care of it reflects how it will take care of you and how long it will last.  Unlike vehicles, replacing parts are difficult so it’s important to take great care of our one-and-only vehicle so it can last our lifetime.

The type of movement I am talking about is to GENTLY raise your heart rate  and get your blood moving.

Why?

The modern World has entered the digital age and addiction to our electronic gadgets is one of the reasons that has led to sedentary lifestyles. People are moving the body less and are seated more glued to their electronic gadgets. This causes havoc in our bodies and can cause our minds to short circuit.

Moving the body has tremendous health benefits.

1. Pumping the heart. During movement your heart rate quickens to circulate more oxygen through your bloodstream. Oxygen is very important for the healthy function of our bodies.
2. Lymphatic System. The lymphatic system helps to gather and remove cellular waste, keep fluid levels in check, and transport much-needed nutrients. Unlike blood circulation, which has the heart, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump. Without movement, the lymphatic system cannot move lymph as efficiently and it can to build of waste.  Sometimes you can see this when the ankles are swollen. Body movement creates a pumping action of muscles and vessels nearby to help move the lymph along.
3. Digestive System. is made up of the esophagus, the stomach, the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, small intestine and the large intestine. Depending on the type of movement, it can help to improve the efficiency of the digestive process and help you to maintain a healthy weight.
4. Bones and Muscles. Bones are living tissue. Weight-bearing physical activity causes new bone tissue to form, and this makes bones stronger. Physical activity also makes muscles stronger. Bones and muscles both become stronger when muscles push and tug against bones. Body movement keeps you on your feet so that your legs carry your body weight. It also improves muscle endurance, flexibility and is associated with improved quality of life, and with many health benefits, especially those associated with stronger muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
5. Dis-ease Prevention. If we take proper care of our bodies, our bodies will take of us. It will help to maintain wellbeing of our Body, Mind and Spirit.
6. Maintain a healthy body weight. Maintaining a healthy weight is important for health. In addition it helps to lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
7. Increase Energy Levels. Exercise can improve energy in the following ways:
   • Releases endorphins which is a feel good factor (endorphins interact with the opiate receptors in the brain to reduce our perception of pain and act similarly to drugs such as morphine and codeine).
   • Helps with quality of sleep
   • Helps manage stress
   • Trains the heart to work more efficiently, getting more oxygen to the brain and other organs

Do What Works for You

It’s finding the right type of movement that will work for your body.

1. Do what you LOVE….that may mean experimenting and discovering what you love doing.  It doesn’t necessarily have to be boring and repetitive.
2. Always start and end your day with movement. Gently stretch the moment you get out of bed. Make movement the “Good Morning” and “Good Night” of each day and notice how much better you feel.
3. There are so many things you can do
   • Go for a walk
   • Trampolining
   • Aerobics Class
   • Dancing
   • Running
   • Weight training
   • Cycling
   • Yoga
   • Pilates

Combining your favourite movement with healthy eating (eat right and eat right, eat a rainbow) and meditation can in the long run be beneficial, but don’t take my word for it. Prove it to yourself simply by doing this. You never know, you might even enjoy it!

We take our bodies for granted and we can easily get in the habit of neglecting our bodies in the process. It’s important to thank our body for everything it does for us because it does do so much for us and it will thank you too! Check out Attitude of Gratitude as to how being grateful can have a positive affect on your life.

Thank you for tuning in.  Don’t forget to post a comment if you enjoyed reading this and feel free to share this with one person who may benefit from it.