Have you ever heard the phrase “movement is medicine” and wondered what it meant exactly? Well, according to research movement, aka physical activity, is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your overall well-being. It is medicine.
Movement is a type of lifestyle medicine. Engaging in regular physical activity and considering other lifestyle factors are among the most impactful self-care practices that extend beyond routine medical appointments.
In this article, we’ll explore the concept of “movement is medicine” and explain how movement can improve both our physical and mental health.
Unfortunately, most people don’t engage in much physical activity, on a daily basis. In fact, for many, exercise is simply walking to and from their car. And they tend to park as closely as possible to their destination.
Unfortunately, most people don’t engage in much physical activity, on a daily basis. In fact, for many, exercise is simply walking to and from their car. And they tend to park as closely as possible to their destination.
Medicine can be prescribed by doctors, purchased over-the-counter, or obtained through natural means, such as herbal remedies. The goal of medicine is to help people maintain or improve their health by preventing or treating illnesses and medical conditions.
Medicine can be prescribed by doctors, purchased over-the-counter, or obtained through natural means, such as herbal remedies. The goal of medicine is to help people maintain or improve their health by preventing or treating illnesses and medical conditions.
If exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation.
Robert Butler, National Institute on Aging
Movement also helps people to maintain and improve their health. It also can prevent and reverse many illnesses and medical conditions. Like pills, it can not fix everything. But it has a significant impact on how we feel and how we function.
The paradox is that in our time, people are busier and busier. Living fast-paced lives. Yet, at the same time, they are more and more sedentary.
Around the world, medical professionals, healers, and sages have praised the benefits of physical activity, encouraging people to exercise. “Movement as medicine” is the notion that physical activity can be used as a natural, holistic way to prevent and alleviate a variety of health issues.
When using the term holistic, we are referring to the entire person, encompassing all aspects of their well-being. Since movement affects more than just one aspect of a person’s health, it has a profound impact on all systems of the body and the potential to generate a positive, upward spiral of optimal health.
Movement encompasses all physical activity, not just structured exercise. Even small actions like standing up, fidgeting, or walking short distances contribute to our overall health.
Movement Is Medicine: Exploring the Benefits by First Examining the Sedentary Lifestyle
The Negative Impact of a Sedentary Lifestyle on Our Health
Let’s examine what happens when physical activity is nearly absent from our daily lives. Because living a sedentary lifestyle is not only unhealthy, we could even consider it an anti-health practice. Sitting is the new smoking.
Understanding Sedentary Lifestyles and The Negative Effects
Sedentary lifestyles are characterized by insufficient physical activity, often consisting of prolonged periods of sitting or lying down, and failing to meet the recommended bare minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity three times a week.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week. However, many individuals spend most of their day being sedentary, which can have serious health implications.
Living a sedentary lifestyle can be extremely detrimental to one’s health, leading to chronic ailments, weakened muscles and bones, poor sleep quality, and mental health conditions. The adage “move it or lose it” is indeed fitting.
The Issues are Not Limited Just to Weight Gain
While it is well known that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to excessive body fat. it’s important to note that obesity is not the only problem associated with a lack of physical activity. The significance of physical inactivity extends well beyond weight management.
It can damage the skin, decrease blood circulation, and cause wrinkles. Thus, causing premature aging and a general lack of vitality.
Lack of movement can also cause blood vessels to constrict and stiffen, leading to high blood pressure. This means the heart muscle has to work harder to beat blood throughout the body. Metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, stroke, and heart disease can take hold.
Prolonged periods of inactivity can result in spinal and joint stiffness, which can lead to persistent aches and discomfort. This is unsurprising, as a sedentary lifestyle is often associated with chronic pain, especially back pain. Back pain is a leading cause of doctor visits, including the emergency room, among American adults.
Furthermore, a sedentary lifestyle can lead to bone and muscle degeneration. This means your bones and muscles literally start breaking down. The exact opposite of what is needed for strong and healthy bones.
The cardiovascular system becomes less capable and resilient. Leading to a vicious cycle of less movement making it harder and harder to move. The less you move the more difficult it is to move. This creates a sad cycle of doom.
Sedentary lifestyles often go hand in hand with increased stress levels. There tend to be more stress chemicals wandering around in your bloodstream with no place to go, affecting how one feels. This causes people to experience higher levels of anxiety, irritability, and even depression.
Being sedentary is like telling your body you do not need to move, and your body adapts. The potential for weight gain, chronic illnesses, and mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, is a daunting prospect for those who are less active.
Movement Can Help Heal the Body and the Mind
After examining the health problems linked to a sedentary lifestyle, let’s delve into the benefits of adding more physical activity to your routine. Discover how movement is medicine, enhancing our overall well-being and vitality.
As you likely understand at this point, the phrase “movement is medicine” means that physical activity and exercise can have a significant positive impact on our physical and mental health. Movement is essential for navigating the 3D material world and doing almost anything. Moreover, it enables us to relish life unhindered by physical limitations.
Like medicine, physical activity can change the chemistry of the body in a beneficial way. Our bodies were designed to run, jump, dance, and play. Movement is essential for our physical and mental well-being. Movement is medicine.
It is how we maintain a healthy weight, strengthen our muscles and bones, improve our balance and coordination, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. But more than that, movement is a source of joy and creativity. The more we move in different ways the better we get and the more we can do. We live our life through movement.
Exercise increases the demand for oxygen, which leads to an increase in breathing and heart rate. This not only makes our heart and circulatory system stronger and more efficient. It releases various hormones that can improve mood, reduce stress, and increase energy levels. It also flushes stress hormones out of the system.
Exercise has been proven to prevent and soothe various health conditions, including chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Many chronic debilitating diseases can be reversed through movement.
Movement reduces inflammation (source). Persistent Inflammation is a key pervasive component in so most chronic illnesses. This includes diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, depression, and even dementia.
It also boosts our immune system. Our lymphatic system- part of our immune system- is dependent on movement to circulate white blood cells through the body. A strong immune system is crucial in navigating the world with resilience.
Basically, Movement tells your Body You Are Alive
When we move, we express ourselves, connect with others, and explore the world around us. We LIVE.
Movement can do many of the things that pills seem to have taken the place of in this modern society. Yet there is no pill as powerful for general basic health and vitality.
Like the quote by Robert Butler former director of the National Institute on Aging said, “If exercise could be packaged in a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation”. (article about a pill that mimics the effects of exercise)
Essentially regular exercise signals the body to adapt to the increased physical demands being placed upon it. This can lead to various physiological changes such as increased muscle strength and endurance, improved cardiovascular health, and increased bone density.
It builds mental resilience and strength. As you become more physically active, your brain’s reward system is stimulated, promoting heightened neural connections between areas that reduce anxiety.
As a result, your nervous system is better equipped to maintain balance and less prone to triggering a fight, flight, or fright response. Consistent exercise can lead to lasting positive effects on your brain and overall well-being.
There is a saying in exercise sciences called form follows function. This can be understood as your physical form- how your body is shaped- adapts to meet the demand of what you are doing- your function. So if you are active your form adapts to meet the needs of that particular activity.
Grounding in the Present Moment
Movement can also be a form of meditation. When we engage in movement with awareness and intention, it can become a powerful form of meditation. Whether it’s through activities like walking, dancing, yoga, tai chi, or even cleaning, the act of moving our bodies mindfully, with intention can help us cultivate a sense of presence and connection to the present moment.
As we focus on the sensations of our movements and the rhythm of our breath, we can quiet the mind and find a sense of inner calm. Movement meditation allows us to let go of stress, release tension, and engage in a practice that nurtures our mental well-being.
Additionally, regular movement meditation can improve overall physical health, as it can increase flexibility, strength, and balance.
Whether you prefer a slow and gentle practice or a more vigorous one, incorporating movement meditation into your routine can have a positive impact on both your body and mind.
Ultimately It is a Shield from the Negative Forces within our Culture that Weaken Us
We must create our own healthy culture in our lives. Find ways to move. Ways to pause. Ways to care for ourselves and build resilience.
It may seem drastic to say, but it’s true. Our environment and culture have conditioned us to become unhealthy and weak.
Many individuals view physical activity as a burden and depend on others to solve their problems, while every issue is thought to require a monetary solution. As a result, not only are we physically exhausted from a sedentary lifestyle, but we are also financially drained.
To counteract this, we must shape our own healthy personal culture. We need to find ways to move, take breaks, and prioritize self-care to build resilience.
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