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There’s a lot of emphasis on the benefits of increased daily movement, and why people feel better when they move more. It’s true: our bodies are designed to move and being stuck in one or two positions for long periods of time is going to take a toll, even if you’re not slumped, slouched, or twisted. 

With the shift into winter, and perhaps the unique circumstances of this year, I would like to encourage the importance of making that increased daily activity fun and easy; play, if you will. Although outdoor activities may be slightly less accessible this time of year, it’s almost more important to incorporate movement into your daily routine, not only for physical health, but mental health too. This is where the play philosophy comes in! Find something relatively easy and enjoyable that gets you off the couch or out of your home office and gets your blood moving. For me, something as simple as playing music on a walk, even for twenty minutes, is enough to freshen a perspective and get my body moving. I’m also a fan of stretching or foam rolling while I watch the latest episode of the Mandalorian, or rock climbing in the gym for a couple hours a few times a week. These are all pretty easy, fun, and count as movement! 

If you’ve got a dog, play catch while you’re out on a walk, or join your kids in whatever game they’re playing. Play music while you cook and dance a little. Set up a distanced walk with a friend. When you embrace movement as play, and no longer something you have to set a reminder to do (which I’m also a fan of doing, coincidentally), it can suddenly turn increased daily activity into one of the highlights of the day.

Ronan West, RMT, CNP