We have all been told to eat right and exercise for maximum health. But suffering from back pain, fatigue or depression can all prevent you from wanting to go for a run or lift weights. While exercise is one of the primary pillars of health, along with eating right, it may not an obtainable goal for many. If you’re one of those people, rather than doing nothing, think about approaching it a bit different—movement rather than exercise.
Sitting Too Much
Our lives have become more and more sedentary with the increased use of technology, whether we’re at work, home or in a car, we’re just not moving. Research has linked sitting for long periods of time with several health concerns. If this sounds like you, as Olivia Newton-John sang, “let’s get physical”. If you must force yourself to exercise or think of going to a cross fit or Rumba class as a chore, it’s time to change your mind set.
Movement vs. Exercise
Exercise implies formal movement, done at the gym, studio or playing field. Most people feel they need to exercise after feeling guilty about sitting around too long or eating too much. Movement, on the other hand, refers to any way you move your body. Unfortunately, as adults we have lost the ability to engage in joyful movement, much like the way kids run around a school yard. Just like exercise, movement has many of the same health benefits.
Health Benefits
You have heard the adage, move it or lose it. There is no shortage of health benefits of reasons to move every day. It can help you maintain flexibility, lose weight, build muscle, manage blood sugar, provide more energy, get better sleep, think better, and boost your mood. Daily movement can help lower the risk factors associated with serious health conditions.
Restore Function
In addition to maintaining flexibility, movement can also be used to restore bodily function or relieve muscle pain. Physical therapists and others trained in bodywork can help you manage an injury. They can help to restore functionality by improving movement and increasing motion range in specific body areas. Movement and the correct exercises can also help reduce musculoskeletal pain by decreasing inflammation.
CBD Can Help
If you are feeling a little achy, CBD can assist your quest to get moving. CBD provides a natural and calming response to the inflammation and pain you are experiencing. CBD also acts as a natural muscle relaxer by slowing the flow of the neurotransmitters that cause muscle tension and spasms. It also helps to reduce overall stress and anxiety, which are contributing factors to muscle tension.
Resources
While its always best to work with a qualified professional, there are free and low-cost resources available. You can use a platform like Instagram to find exercises that are appropriate for your needs. Search for hip pain, sciatica exercises or any other body part that needs attention. In a previous blog we mentioned using the Downdog app to practice yoga to relive stress and discomfort. So whether you decide to walk around the block, break out the yoga mat or hang on some monkey bars, it’s time to get moving and don’t forget to bring your CBD!