Move Your Body -Move Your Mind
Feeling low energy? Feeling more stressed than usual? Does your mouth feel dryer than usual? When we’re feeling lazy and lethargic, often the last thing we want to do is get up from the couch and put one foot in front of the other. However, in moments like this, one of the best things we can do is…MOVE. But aside from getting our heart rates up, movement is beneficial to all parts of our health. Let’s jump into it!
Move for Body, Mind, and MOUTH
It’s no secret that movement is good for your body and mind. It allows you to activate different muscle groups and releases endorphins that help stimulate your brain. Even more so, exercise is also critical to your oral health. Think about it. When you move your body, the pace of your breath speeds up in line with your heart rate as you exert energy.
With every inhale, you’re taking in oxygen and surrounding bacteria in the air. With every exhale, you’re releasing carbon dioxide. Furthermore, with open-mouth breaths, you’re likely to feel your mouth dry up. When that’s the case, try breathing through your nose to ignite your breath of heat and reduce dry mouth. Learn more about nose vs mouth breathing to understand which is better for your health and why.
Overall, moderate exercise can promote a healthy and diverse oral microbiome by increasing the production of your saliva proteins and therefore, provide more protection against inflammation, gum disease, and cavities.
How to MOVE
Now that you know how movement benefits more than just the body and mind, consider: What’s the best part about movement? Everyone can do it! And trust me, you’ll find joy in exercising. It’s common for people to associate exercise with something they have to do when instead, it should be internalized as something we get to do!
Movement is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Rather, it can range from tending to your garden, walking the dog, going for a jog, running up and down the stairs, chasing after kids in a game of hide-and-seek, or even just walking to the bus stop. Just thinking about how to start something new is a way to move your mind instead of your feet.
No matter your age, schedule, or athletic ability, there are plenty of ways for you to move. Not a gym member? Find a trail, a local park, or even a staircase in your home as alternatives. And, most importantly, don’t forget to hydrate–– which takes me to my next point.
To Move…You Need Fuel: The Good Kind
As you find ways to move around, whether that be walking on a treadmill or trying a new workout class, be sure to fuel your body with the right nutrients in what you drink and eat. I’ve listed a few tips below:
Try to limit energy drinks: Gatorades, powerades, you name it ––while these drinks advertise electrolytes and hydration, they often contain a lot of sugar, causing damage to your teeth. Drinking them consistently can impact your mouth’s saliva and bacteria levels, increasing the risk of developing cavities or gum disease.
Fuel yourself with whole foods: Try practicing healthy eating habits and routines by learning about how, when and where to eat. Nourishing your body with colorful, balanced foods is a great place to start.
The More (Benefits), the Better
One of my favorite influencers regarding the topic of movement is Kelly McGonigal, author of The Joy of Movement. Exercise offers a plethora of benefits, many below of which she mentions.
To name a few, consistent movement can:
Improve your sleep routine
Positively impact your digestion
Increase your energy levels
Strengthen your brain power
Boost your mood
So tell me. Why wouldn’t you want to reap these benefits? Let’s give movement a (small) try.
Time to Practice
Sit or stand still for a second and take a deep breath in. Count to four. Now, release and exhale. After a few rounds of breath, move around. You can do something as simple as wrist circles, walking around the kitchen, or doing brief stretches on a yoga mat.
Notice your breath. Notice where your mind wanders. Move for 5 minutes. You may not identify distinct changes right now but with consistency, you’ll notice a difference soon enough! So when you ask yourself, what is good exercise? Remember that it’s the kind that gets done!
Move to What Makes You Happy
Now, who said you have to move alone? Touch base with a friend and plan a weekly walk. Call a family member that lives far away as you stretch in the morning. Plug in headphones, turn on your favorite playlist or podcast and go for a quick stroll around the block. Or, challenge YOURSELF to tackle a new workout class.
Whatever you decide to do, movement is equally as important for your physical and oral health as it is your mental health. So, find something that makes you enjoy movement. Move to what makes you happy.