Movement

The magic word this month is a four-letter word for some people: it’s MOVE. M.O.V.E. Just move. Move more. Move anything. Whatever you do—get a move on! Daily movement has been proven to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, stress, and other ailments.

“Get up off your duff,” as Dr. Saxena says, “because sitting is the new smoking.” Yikes! With the dog days of summer here in Mississippi, it would be easy to sit around complaining about the heat and use it as an excuse. Not you! This month at Enhanced Wellness Living we’ll be looking seriously at the concept of movement as medicine, the abundance of community resources all around us, and what exercises might be best for you.

Note the very distinct difference we’re making between the words “exercise” and “movement.” For many, the word “exercise” is a curse word, where the word “move” sounds like something much easier to do — something you do throughout the day, every day, without giving it so much as a second thought. Movement embodies any activities you enjoy doing, sounds like it might be fun right?! Whatever activity you choose…walking, yoga, biking, hiking, swimming, dancing, etc., do it daily for 30 minutes and try to break a sweat!

Much like pooping and peeing, sweating is one of the ways our bodies naturally expels toxins. Hydration is really important in Functional Medicine, and should be taken seriously especially in the hotter months when we are sweating much more. When we sweat we lose precious minerals and electrolytes through our skin that must be replenished. To replenish electrolytes you must do more than drink plain water, you must consume hydrate-fueled food as well! Great examples of electrolyte heavy foods are: watermelon, olives, spinach, cucumbers, and celery, etc. In addition, find electrolyte powders to add to your water that are free from additives, sugar, and natural flavors to fuel hydration daily!

Movement doesn’t need to be on a strict schedule, simply fit in those 30 minutes when you can each day. Take a walk after lunch, attend a yoga class in the evening, bike with your family before the day begins. Speaking of biking, if this is an activity you enjoy doing and currently reside in the Ridgeland, MS area, you’ll be quite pleased to know our Mayor has been working on making roads more pedestrian friendly while offering amazing bike paths! Ridgeland is Mississippi’s premier cycling destination with all the bikeability-how suitable a place is for biking-it has to offer in the area. The Ridgeland bike scene offers scenic views on the Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444 mile trail that begins in Natchez, MS and ends in Nashville, TN.

Whatever movement you choose to do each day, do it with joy and know that you’re improving your health with every step, cycle, lunge, or deep cleansing breath you draw! Grab a friend and a water bottle, and go sweat with some movement this month with all of us at Enhanced Wellness Living!