We live in the Information Age. Everywhere you turn there's data to consume and ways to communicate: books, research papers, news outlets, email, texts, Slack, Zooms, blogs/vlogs, Facebook, Instagram posts/reels, tweets, podcasts, TikToks, streaming channels, and the list goes on.
The sheer amount of information and conversations available to us each day is absolutely stunning. Often it can be overwhelming.
And it can make it seem like language — reading, writing, and communicating — is all there is. And yes, all this discourse can be good (okay, sometimes not so good when it comes to the socials) but it only addresses a small part of who we are— and it usually all happens in front of a screen.
But underneath all our reading, writing, communicating, commenting, and posting— our brains are fundamentally wired for movement. Yes, movement. Our brains and bodies thrive with movement. And while doing a crossword puzzle or Wordle can be fun and does engage our brains— the activity just doesn't nourish our brains the way movement does.
At its essence, movement can be thought of as a language that enhances other language skills like reading and writing. Movement— especially movement that invites more rhythmic motion like walking, skipping, and dancing — can aid the rhythmic flow of how we think and communicate. So can the simple act of tapping out the meter of a poem.
Movement helps you make sense of your environment so you can better express who you are in the world. Movement improves spatial awareness and allows more of your body's sensory systems to be engaged. Movement is brain food. It balances and strengthens all of you and nourishes your brain and nervous system.
And no matter what age you are— movement in your life enriches your life — and can leave you healthier and more resilient.
Movement helps kids learn, grow, and stay healthy. It does the same for adults. It helps us take in and process information and keeps us strong and resilient in our bodies, minds, and spirits. Movement also reduces the risk of cognitive decline, including dementia, as we age.
Movement offers us the promise of mobility, strength, better health, and a keen mind.
And movement is ready and waiting to fulfill those promises. All we have to do is show up and engage with it.
So why not create space(s) in your day to give yourself the gifts that come with movement?
Go for a walk. Skip in your backyard. Dance around your house in your underwear. Pick up heavy things and put them down. Practice Tai Chi or yoga. Roll and crawl around on the floor. Play with your kids or grandkids. Do some Slow-Mo Cross Crawls. The possibilities are endless.
Five minutes here. Ten minutes there. Maybe longer. A few times a day or more. It will be time well spent.
And your brain — all of you — will be better for it.
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