Move Your Way to a Healthier Lifestyle: Simple Tips to Incorporate Movement into Your Daily Routine

Are you tired of hearing the same old advice about staying fit and eating healthy? We all know it’s important, but let’s face it, putting it into practice can be a real challenge. But here’s something you might not have considered: your body actually needs regular movement to stay healthy too. As an osteopath, I’m absolutely fascinated by the human body—how it functions, how it moves. And let me tell you, problems with movement and function can lead to a whole host of physical and health issues.

Now, this concept isn’t entirely new. Personal trainers and health therapists have been preaching the importance of movement for years. But guess what? Even doctors are starting to catch on. In fact, sitting has been compared to smoking in terms of its detrimental effects on our health. Yes, you heard that right!

Think about it. In today’s modern world, we spend so much time glued to our chairs—whether it’s at work, during our daily commute, or while lounging on the sofa. Sure, we might try to squeeze in that recommended 30-60 minutes of exercise per day, but what about the countless hours we spend sitting?

Recent studies have uncovered a frightening link between excessive sitting and a higher risk of cancer, heart disease, increased blood pressure, irritable bowel syndrome, metabolic disorders, and let’s not forget the notorious back pain!

So, what can you do about it? Well, it’s time to shake things up and introduce some movement into your life. Now, I know the idea of having a treadmill instead of a chair sounds fantastic, but let’s be realistic—it’s not always the most practical solution.

Fortunately, there are plenty of practical ideas that can make a real difference:

1. Set an alarm by your desk to remind you to get up every 20 minutes. Take a stroll, stretch, climb the stairs, or step outside for a breath of fresh air. Not only will this improve your physical health, but it’ll also enhance your work concentration and productivity.
2. Ditch the lift and take the stairs whenever you can. It’s a simple change that can have a significant impact on your overall fitness.
3. Don’t skip your lunch break! Use that precious time to go for a walk, swim, jog, attend a yoga class, or engage in any exercise that brings you joy.
4. If you’re in need of motivation, consider getting a furry companion—a dog. Dogs thrive on regular exercise, and a happy dog means you’ll be more motivated to get moving too.
5. Lack the willpower to exercise on your own? Try meeting up with friends for a workout session, or even signing up for an event or competition. The added support and social aspect can do wonders for your commitment.
6. Here’s an easy one—opt for walking or cycling instead of relying on trains or buses for your daily commute. If that’s not possible, simply get off public transportation one stop earlier and enjoy a refreshing walk to your destination. Every step counts!
7. Remember, the key is to enjoy movement, exercise, and healthy eating. After all, you only have one body, so take good care of it.

Even if you start with just one of these suggestions to get moving, you’ll begin to feel better and experience relief from that nagging back pain. And of course, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to me or one of my colleagues. We’re here to support you every step of the way.