Why Movement Matters?

Movement is our natural state – we’re not designed to be still for a long time! Even at night, we move. When we move, our brains produce a number of chemicals and proteins including endorphins and BDNF proteins (often referred to as “brain fertiliser”). So, moving helps us to feel and think better. John Medina describes exercise as Brain Rule #1 as it makes our cerebral cortex alert. Moving and increasing our heart rates increases our creativity, EQ and IQ and makes us feel good!

 

Additionally, moving helps us to see, hear and feel the world from a different place and other people’s perspectives which is often vital to really connecting with other people. We know that genuinely valuing relationships and diversity is critical to our success as people and within workplaces: walking in someone else’s shoes continues to be a hugely powerful experience in helping to recognise, understand and value differences.

 

Movement is also critical for when we feel anxious. When anxiety builds in our body, we create toxins. Staying still means that we are more likely to have physical and mental health issues (including a 49% increase from all causes of mortality, Wilmot et al, 2012). By exercising, these toxins disperse, help us to feel and be more well and creates resilience