We all know we should move more. We are stuck behind a screen processing emails and sitting through video conferences all day, in a car running errands on the weekends, or sitting in front of a TV in the evenings - basically sitting more hours per day than we probably care to admit. That's life. It's busy, we are tired. However there is a recipe for mixing things up a bit so that we are sitting a wee bit less every day. Movement snacking.
You're probably wondering what the heck movement snacking is, right?! Hang on, I will get to that. First, let's talk about why it is important to move. Humans were made to move. We were not meant to sit on a couch, sit in front of a screen or behind a driver's wheel. Our bodies are built to traverse the landscape, foraging, harvesting, hunting, and connecting with other human beings in the process. To move is to be and feel well. Moving more decreases your risk of chronic disease, depression and anxiety. It increases your body's metabolic processes, your mood and your holistic wellbeing. If I were to offer a pill that could do all of these things I would not have to work anymore! Alas, movement is a key component to being healthy and well and the best part is, it is free for the taking my friends!
Let's just be clear though. When I talk about adding movement to your day I am not talking about packing a bag and hitting the gym, going for a 10K run or pushing some weight around - all wonderful things if you have the time and desire. But what if you don't have the time? What if you are simply trying to get through your day without collapsing, yet, still want to feel better? Movement snacking is the way to go.
Movement snacking is basically sneaking in little bits of movement throughout your day. During your work day you can set a goal to get up every 50 minutes and take a few moments to stretch, schedule "walking meetings" with colleagues, or you can relax with friends after work by meeting at a park instead of sitting down for a cocktail. When at home I like to simply revert back to all of the things grandma and grandpa used to do. Cook at home instead of going out to eat, wash the dishes by hand instead of using the dishwasher, sweep the floor instead of having the Roomba do it. You get the idea. Replace the mechanization of today's society with some good old fashioned elbow grease.
By including these little bits of movement throughout the day you will ease aching muscles, sleep better, build stronger relationships and have a better temperment, all without feeling overwhelmed by adding "one more thing to do" on your checklist. Enjoy snacking!
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