A common scenario in airports is people sitting for hours while waiting for their flight.
When I am in that waiting situation, I walk around, I rest a bit, then I walk again. I do my body some good by moving.
Exercising and moving are not new to us; these started at infancy and will continue until our senility.
Studies have shown that exercise has both physiological and developmental impact on children’s brains. Physical mechanisms include increased oxygen to the brain that may enhance its ability to learn; alterations to neurotransmitters; and structural changes in the central nervous system.
Studies have further shown that regular physical activity supports healthy child development by improving memory, concentration, and positive outlook.
Students who run 15-45 minutes before class were less distracted and more attentive to school work. These positive effects lasted for two to four hours. Hence, it is counterproductive to cut back on physical education hours, as what some schools plan to do.
“We are designed to move,” said Dr. Carli Axford (2016), “but so many of us are living stagnant lives. Our ancestors walked eight hours a day as hunter-gatherers, and their spines moved like it was designed to move. Today, we sit , eight hours a day at a desk, at a computer, or in a position that is not conducive to healthy flow and balance. Sitting for your spine is like sugar for your teeth.” She adds that 1) our bodies are designed to move; we should not sit for more than 15 minutes. Try to take up yoga, Pilates, swimming, running, biking, walking, tai chi, dancing, or zumba; 2) our body is our greatest asset; we may get so engrossed in our lives and work that we forget to take time out and listen to what our body needs to stay healthy. Moving our body releases endorphins, the quintessential feel-good chemicals found in our brain.
A “runner’s high” is attributed to this, that is, physical motion can provide a rush of good energy that can lift a mood, be it anxiety or mild depression, and it’s a good way to keep healthy.
How much exercise or moving should you do? One hour each day will suffice, but break it up if you can.
Why exercise? Because it’s good for your body and so much more: 1) lungs and heart get stronger when you get moving; 2) muscles get stretched and get stronger; 3) bones become stronger; 4) reflexes and coordination 5) puts us in a better mood because it increases brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine; 6) enhances our social skills, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution ability; and 7) helps keep your weight within normal limits and gives you some protection from developing diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and some types of cancer, as well as help you avoid getting sick with a cold or flu.
How can we honor God and show gratitude to Him for the amazingly complex and miraculous physical body that He’s given us? Move it and respect it.
_____________________________
Author’s email: ntayko@yahoo.com
