Move

Description

An eye-opening journey into the power of human movement and how we can harness it to optimize our brain health, boost our mood and improve every aspect our lives

For our earliest ancestors who hunted and gathered, movement meant survival. Our brains evolved to reward physical activity. Moving, thinking and feeling have always been inextricably linked.

Yet what happens when we stop moving? Today, on average, we spend around 70% of our lives sitting or lying completely still. Our sedentary lifestyle—desk jobs, long commutes and lots of screen time—is not only bad for our bodies. It can also result in anxiety, depression and a lower overall IQ.

But there's good news. Even the simplest movements can reactivate our bodies and open up a hotline to our minds, improving our overall well-being and longevity. And we don't have to spend countless hours in the gym. In fact, exercise as we understand it misses the point.

Veteran science journalist Caroline Williams explores the cutting-edge research behind brain health and physical activity, interviewing scientists from around the world to completely reframe our relationship to movement. Along the way she reveals easy tricks that we could all use to improve our memory, maximize our creativity, strengthen our emotional literacy and more. A welcome counterpoint to the current mindfulness craze, Moveoffers a more stimulating and productive way of freeing our caged minds to live our best lives.

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Our bodies are made to be in motion. Even the most basic of exercises can boost brain health – flexing creative muscles, improving memory, and making us far happier human beings. Remember: in the world of workouts, intensity does not reign supreme. An isolated gym session might get your heart pumping, but regular movement throughout the day is what will keep you in top mental and physical shape.

Grab an exercise partner.

Humans are social creatures, and working out in sync with others – whether through dance, tai chi, or a group Pilates class – can do wonders for your mental health. Group fitness won’t only keep you moving when motivation is low; it can also help fight feelings of loneliness while creating a strong sense of community. As an added bonus, signing up for a partner sport can help you meet new people – so grab an exercise buddy and get moving!

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Learn how exercise boosts brain health.

Thousands of years ago, hunter-gatherers roamed miles in search of their next meal. Today, finding food is as simple as clicking a “Deliver Now” button. But, for all its convenience, technological innovation has had some harmful side effects on human health.

As a species, we’ve simply stopped moving; we’re basically sloths compared to our Stone Age ancestors. We spend a staggering 70 percent of our lives sitting still. And our brains are suffering as a result.

Filled with practical exercise advice, this book will help you break the cycle of sloth. In providing the momentum to move, they’ll guide you toward a healthier – and happier – life.

In this book, you’ll learn

• why sitting is the new smoking;

• how our brains evolved to think best on the move; and

• simple steps you can take to set both your body and mind in motion.