Moving Our Bodies

I'm a runner. Not everyone is a runner; I can accept that. Different strokes for different folks. I can't begin to tell you how often I've heard, "If you see me running you better run too because a bear is chasing me." Hardy har har. Nah, really, it was funny...the first ten times I heard it. I don't mind the jokes; they're funny, but what hope is that everyone understands the importance of exercising our bodies. We were not created for sedentary lives. That doesn't mean everyone has to run; you don't even have to "hit the gym." But you could and truthfully should move your bodies; stretch them if nothing else. The most established and obvious benefit of stretching is to help improve flexibility and range of motion. It is also beneficial for our minds. Everyone has stress. A buildup of stress causes our muscles to contract, becoming tense. This tension can go on to have an adverse impact on just about every part of our body. Like all types of exercise, flexibility exercises like stretching have powerful stress-busting abilities. Spending just a short amount of time (10-15 minutes) stretching each day can help calm the mind, providing a mental break and giving your body a chance to recharge. Exercise doesn't have to be intense. Stretching doesn't require a bear chasing you to move. Making a habit to get movin' and live your life well.