The ability to move is one of the biggest privileges we take for granted. Only when we are injured or find ourselves in a situation where certain types of movements are restricted, do we realise what a gift it truly is to be able to move fluidly and freely. Moreover, to exist means to move because there is movement involved in everything that we do. As minimal as it may be at times, we are constantly moving so long as we are conscious.
In this day and age, however, we tend to stay well within our full capacity to move which, in turn, has led to sedentarism – a very common cause for our bodies to become dysfunctional and also fall prey to diseases. When you think back in time, humans had no option but to be on the move for food, shelter, water, and to make contact with their people or loved ones, and although it may have been a struggle at times, it kept them moving and, with that, came a multitude of benefits that would one day be taken for granted with the introduction of technology.
What it Means to Move More
To break away from a life of limited movement, aches, pains, and diseases, the answer just might be the simplest one in the book – move more! Don’t let a 9-5 desk job or a habitual sedentary lifestyle do a number on your body; having been given the ability to perform complex movements in great variation, humans must use this to their advantage in order to function to the best of their body’s ability. But what does it really mean to move in a manner that benefits the body in ways that we are no longer accustomed to? Let’s find out.
To put it simply, the most beneficial types of movements are those that strengthen your body by building muscle, improve your balance, increase flexibility and mobility, and challenge your body to move in ways that it is capable of, yet not practised enough. By exploring different avenues of movement, you will be able to unlock your body’s full potential and regain a skill set that perhaps was once nurtured as a child/youngster but lost as you transitioned into a working adult. In fact, most able-bodied individuals can relate to a childhood filled with consistent movement and physical activity, especially during ‘playtime’. Unfortunately, hectic work schedules and technological advancements have caused a major disconnect between humans and play, limiting one’s overall movement on a daily basis.
In order for us to move more everyday, we need to indulge in more physical activities. While that may be the obvious conclusion, a lot of people struggle with finding ways to incorporate beneficial movement into their day-to-day routine. Well, the best and most effective solution to that conundrum is simply reconnecting with play. There are several benefits that come with immersing ourselves in play, all of which directly benefit our bodies thanks to the simple act of movement. Any form of play will do the body and mind good while adapting to new, challenging moves and skills will see a steady improvement in your overall balance, flexibility, and mobility.
How Lack of Movement Has Impacted the Environment
When you think about how reliant we really are on technology in current times, you realise that it has, in fact, overrun our lives! We have replaced our requirement to physically move with technology in so many different ways that we have practically confined ourselves to a stagnant day-to-day life in terms of physical activity.
In a bid to make our lives more convenient, we have put an immense amount of strain on the Earth’s natural resources which, in turn, continues to impact our environment in a negative way. Where there were once two hands or more required to do a job or simple task, there is now a machine that does it for you instead. Of course, with that machine comes an energy source required to power it. Basically, everything that involves technology uses energy, just not the human kind that our bodies willingly offer!
With that said, as there is more awareness surrounding the adverse effects of leading a sedentary lifestyle, as well as relying on technology and diminishing our planet’s natural resources, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals who are choosing to act responsibly and take control of the situation within their capacity, at the very least. Nowadays, you will find more people choosing to walk or bike to work; take the stairs instead of the elevator; include exercise or play in their daily routine; and so on. It may seem like a small start but it has the power to better your life and the planet in ways you never thought possible. Moreover, it encourages bigger and more impactful changes in the future!
Conclusion
When it comes to doing right by our bodies and the environment, it all begins with ourselves and the choices that we make. To counter the many ill effects of sedentarism, we must not only move more, but challenge our bodies to adapt to a wide range of movements, and practise them daily in order to reap the benefits. Secondly, while there are several ways in which we can do our bit for the betterment of the planet and environment, a good place to start is by disconnecting from technology as much as possible, and reconnecting with movement and play instead.
DISCLAIMER:
The above content is for educational or informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or augment professional medical instruction, diagnosis, or treatment. Read the full Terms and Conditions & Disclaimer here.
