The Physical Therapy Doctor - April 2023

ADD MORE MOVEMENT TO EACH DAY GET IN BETTER SHAPE

Walk or bike to your destinations. We’re all accustomed to

Getting the movement our bodies and minds need each day can be challenging. Many of us work on computers for hours, only standing to use the restroom or refill our water bottles. But we need to do more than that to stay healthy. When we add more movement to our daily routines, our muscles grow stronger, which helps improve our balance, stability, and coordination. Our bones become more durable and our joints more flexible. It’s no secret that moving helps us live healthier, but going to the gym can be expensive and time-consuming. Thankfully, we can adopt simple daily routines to add more movement to our lives. Here are a few worth trying. Be active on your work breaks. If you work an eight-hour shift, you are entitled to a few breaks throughout your day. Try to use them to be active. Stand up and stretch or walk around once an hour if you work on a computer. Set reminders on your phone so you don’t forget. You can even utilize a standing desk to avoid sitting for extended periods. If possible, get out during your lunch break and walk instead of sitting down. Being active throughout the day will help prevent stiffness and fatigue while improving focus and productivity.

getting in our cars whenever we need to go somewhere, but maybe it’s time to walk or get the bike out instead. If you travel

a short distance for work, consider walking there or riding a bicycle if possible. The same goes for trips to the post office, grocery store, or other locations close to your home. You’ll add some extra movement and sunlight to your days. Take the stairs. If you work in an office building, skip the elevator. If you work from home and have stairs in your house or apartment, walk up and down the steps a few times. You can also take the stairs up to buildings instead of using walking ramps. This adjustment is one of the quickest ways to add exercise into your day, and it doesn’t take much! These little changes can go a long way, but remember that doing these activities once is not enough. They need to become a habit. Perform them every day when possible, and you’ll feel better physically in no time.

How Improved Balance Empowers Your Actions

Balance is essential in everything you do, every day, all the time. Most of the time, you maintain your balance without even realizing it. However, you may notice a decline in your ability to balance as you age or after suffering an injury. You can combat this decline by performing balance exercises, such as yoga, standing on one leg, or walking heel-to-toe. You’ll notice numerous benefits in all aspects of your life when you practice proper balance.

move more freely and easily, making everyday tasks like walking, running, and climbing stairs easier. This can also lead to improved overall fitness and physical health. Good balance can even help if you’ve been suffering from poor posture or back pain, as it improves posture and alignment.

Not all of the benefits of proper balance are physical, though. You can also experience significant mental benefits. Good balance helps reduce stress and anxiety and improves your focus and concentration. This can cause you to do better in work or school while enhancing your overall quality of life. You may also feel more confident or boost your self-esteem since balance can help with general fitness and physical health. It’s never too late to start improving your balance. Try doing yoga or performing balance exercises, and you’ll quickly notice various improvements to your mental and physical well-being.

One of the best benefits of having a solid balance is reducing the likelihood of falling and getting injured. When you have good balance, you’re less likely to trip and fall, which usually leads to severe injuries. Nothing is worse than slipping and breaking a bone or injuring your head, which is why keeping up with balance exercises is vital, regardless of age. Another fantastic benefit of improved balance is increased mobility and flexibility. With good balance, you can

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