The joy of movement

The human body is designed to move.

From walking and running, to swimming, climbing, and even dancing!

But how often do we use our bodies at their full potential? In today’s world, we spend 3-4 x longer sitting each day than our ancestors of only 200 years ago. At 8-10h per day, we spend more time sitting than sleeping.

We’ve all heard that exercise is good for us—how it strengthens our hearts and lungs, and helps us prevent diseases like diabetes. But when we move our bodies, we reap many other benefits! And this needn’t entail strenuous physical exercise.

Movement can “hack” all our happiness hormones.

  • Oxytocin can be released by a gentle stroll holding your lover’s hand.
  • Dopamine is generated by achieving a goal, such as exceeding your step count.
  • Serotonin’s mood regulating effects are felt by experiencing nature while walking along the beach or through the park.
  • Endorphins flood our body when we get hot and sweaty during a spin class, or when we dive into a cold pool. Endocannabinoids are responsible for the “runner’s high” and can be triggered by any sustained physical activity.

Movement can also give us opportunities for creativity and connection.

And the brain chemicals released during movement, particularly movement synchronised with others, activate powerful neurobiological mechanisms that bring us closer to one another.  Some of the common ways to do this include:

  • Joining a local sports team, such as netball, soccer and basketball.
  • Teaming up with a friend to go to a regular yoga or Pilates class.
  • Joining a club for bush-walking or cycling.

But there are some other, perhaps overlooked, opportunities to get some movement in your day

  • Dancing in the lounge room to your kids’ favourite play list
  • Singing in a community choir, online (such as ABC classic choir) or at a pub sing (and did you know that adding music to movement is proven to enhance its benefits!)
  • Getting your hands dirty at a local bush-care or community gardening group
  • And just about anything else can you think of, as long as you’re not sitting still!
    • Around the home: crafting, DIY, cooking, cleaning
    • In the community: Volunteering at the school canteen, the local sports club, the womens shelter, or Men’s shed.

Around the world, people who are physically active are happier and more satisfied with their lives. They have a stronger sense of purpose and experience more gratitude, love, and hope. They feel more connected to their communities and are less likely to suffer from loneliness or become depressed.

So get some movement in your day today!

Additional reading

Five Surprising Ways Exercise Changes Your Brain (berkeley.edu)

Read more about The Joy of Movement in this book

24-hour movement guidelines – divide your day optimally between light activity, moderate/intense activity, standing, sleeping & sitting.