For the sake of inconvenience
Advances in technology have made our lives considerably easier. In many ways, our digital world has given us more time to do things that matter to us and to enjoy more rest and relaxation. Moreover, technology has provided many opportunities for people living with disabilities to participate more fully in all that life has to offer.
But for many of us, everyday conveniences like robot vacuums, online shopping and digital home assistants have meant more inactivity. For all that we’ve gained from the benefits of technology, what have we sacrificed in the name of comfort? And, to take it a step further, where are we headed? If we aren’t intentional about incorporating movement into our lives, the Pixar movie WALL-E will seem more like a documentary than a fictional children’s cartoon.
The desire for instant gratification is part of our human nature. As this Psychology Today article says, “We're hard-wired to want immediate payoffs, even if it's unwise.”
Many of us are unaware of how inactive we are and the potential harm that inactivity can cause. But don’t beat yourself up over it. Being sedentary has been so normalized, it often goes unnoticed until there’s a health scare.
The good news is that when we sacrifice some everyday conveniences, we start to move more, which means we may see some immediate benefits, including improved mental health, lower blood pressure and increased well-being. And when we’re more active, we have more energy. It’s a win-win situation. Examining our habits and looking for opportunities to add more movement to our daily lives is well worth the effort.
To get you started, here are some little ways you can disrupt sedentary habits:
Ditch the robot vacuum and get back to basics. Sweeping and vacuuming your home will easily add more movement to your day.
Park the car and walk into the coffee shop to pick up your order. Besides, the drive-thru line is always longer.
Instead of looking for a parking spot close to the store, find a safe one a little further away.
Re-organize your kitchen cabinets. Put everyday things up a little higher or lower so you can get a good stretch in.
Avoid beelining to the sofa after meals – walk or wheel around the block instead. It helps you digest your food and makes you feel good.
Find your rubber gloves and save some money on your power bill by going old school and doing the dishes by hand. While you’re standing at the sink, mix it up with standing tree poses or lunges.
Shop local. Take a break from Amazon and show your local shopkeepers some love. It’s more fun to browse in person and it gets you moving.
Set a timer on your phone to remind you to move away from your desk at least every hour to squeeze in a movement break. If it’s nice out, get some fresh air and sunshine. You will feel better and be more focused.
We hope this blog post gives you some encouragement to think about your everyday patterns. It’s good to check in with yourself occasionally and examine how your daily habits are making you feel. For more ideas on how to move more at home, at leisure or at work, visit makeyourmovens.ca.
Tell us in the comments below about your favourite ways to make your move!