The Importance of Daily Movement
Daily movement. Why is it so important?
Crafting a daily movement regimen far surpasses any of the health, fitness, and wellness hacks that you’ll find on the internet. Exercise is defined as any type of movement that makes your muscles work and requires your body to burn calories. Simply put… there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to exercise!
You can start easy and simple - walk around your neighborhood for 20 minutes after work. Once you begin feeling more comfortable with your new routine, you can increase the time, distance, and pace. Whatever you choose, make sure that it’s realistic and achievable, makes you sweat, and challenges your body and mind. Once you find the right movement that works for you, everything falls into place. Your schedule will start to feel more normal, your list of personal accomplishments will become longer, and your addiction to movement will be unbreakable.
The best part about daily movement is that you will start to feel the benefits almost immediately. Six of those benefits are listed below - all of which have been scientifically proven!
Naturally increases your energy levels
Coffee can only do so much to boost your energy levels during a long week of work. According to researchers at the University of Georgia, a study found that as little as 20 minutes of low to moderate exercise three days a week, for six weeks, has been proven to increase energy levels and lower levels of fatigue. You read that right… It only takes 20 minutes a day!
2. Regulates your blood sugar levels
Regulating blood sugar can be a challenge for many, especially for those who have a family history of diabetes. Physical activity can lower your blood sugar levels up to 24 hours or more after your workout. It has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, meaning your cells are more effective in using the available sugar already in your bloodstream.
3. Helps to regulate your sleep
Recovery is essential for continued muscle growth and improvement, and regularly getting 8 hours of sleep should always be one of your goals. According to John Hopkins Medicine, aerobic exercise causes the body to release endorphins. If you workout one to two hours before going to bed, the endorphins levels will naturally decrease and the brain will have time to wind down - signaling that you’re ready for bed.
4. Increases oxygen-rich blood
Did you know that your body grows extra blood vessels around the muscles that you are regularly working out? The formula is simple: more blood vessels equals more oxygen rich blood and a more efficient metabolism. All of the ingredients needed to achieve your goals!
5. Naturally boosts your mood
Endorphins are naturally produced by your body’s nervous system and are commonly referred to as ‘feel good’ chemicals. During aerobic exercises, your body releases this chemical, which in turn boosts your mood and fills your mind with positive thoughts!
6. Alleviates everyday stress
Stress is something that we can all relate to. Whether your stress is caused by work, your home, or big changes happening to your life, we can all agree that sometimes… it gets the best of us. Moving on a daily basis has been proven to release endorphins while simultaneously decreasing stress hormones. This helps to alleviate some of the everyday stress you’re feeling.
Finding time in your schedule to move your body, every single day, can be a challenge. We all live busy lives and sometimes we don’t have the extra time for a walk around the block or a group workout session. And the truth is… that is OKAY! The most important thing in your health journey is that you are identifying areas of improvement, writing down your goals, and putting in the most effort you can into achieving them. As long as you are truly dedicated to making positive changes, you will slowly begin to fall in love with daily movement, just as I have.
Need more inspiration? Schedule a virtual 45 minute consultation with Elizabeth Rose Vitality today!
