Move More, Get More Done

Welcome to PMH Moves – a year-long Health Promotion series shared through PMH Communications. Each month, we’ll highlight a different way movement supports health across the lifespan — from boosting mood and focus to strength, walking, healthy aging, and staying active through the seasons.

While the topics will change, the message stays the same: every bit of movement counts — and it all adds up. Take what works for you and leave the rest.

This month’s article highlights how short movement breaks improve focus, reduce fatigue and help you feel more alert helping you get more done.

With the long days of summer in the rear-view mirror, you may be enjoying a return to routine. However, the business of Fall schedules often means putting movement on the back burner. We sometimes think that taking a break to add in movement means losing valuable time, but the truth is, a little bit of movement helps us have more energy and focus enabling us to get more done.

The reality. Movement doesn’t steal time – it can help you use it better!

Research consistently shows that short movement breaks of a few minutes improve concentration, memory and problem solving while reducing fatigue.  A quick movement break of 2-5 minutes is a simple way to recharge, allowing us to return to our tasks alert and ready to focus. Stand up, march in place, do a few stretches or bodyweight exercises, take a brisk walk or wheel or a trip up and down the stairs. The boost in mood and focus help your brain work more efficiently. The result? You get more done!

Other ideas to move more during busy days include a short walk after a meal with family, coworkers or friends, or try walking or biking to work, school, activities or errands. You’ll arrive feeling energized – Your body and your brain will thank you!

For busy parents waiting at the rink, gym or field, why not move while you wait? Take a few minutes to do some squats, wall push ups or marching on the spot. If the space allows, walk back and forth along a hallway or around the block. It doesn’t have to be a workout, even 5 minutes can help you feel more energized and ready to tackle the rest of the day or evening. Check out the Move While You Wait campaign posters in a recreation facility near you.

-submitted by Tara Smith, Health Promotion Coordinator