Breaking Free From The Sedentary Norm: Integrate Natural Movement Into Daily Life
Ways to blend movement, agility, and outdoor living into our everyday lives.
In today's modern world, many of us spend long hours indoors, staring at screens and sitting still.
I know this challenge well—from seeing how amazing our bodies can be when we live naturally, to experiencing the strain of fast-paced city life and long hours while working in tech and consulting.
I've also seen these challenges firsthand with the people I coach.
It's not limited to a 9-5 job; even creatives and entrepreneurs face similar challenges. It's a widespread modern human thing.
While getting to the gym is a good start, it's sadly not enough. I'm not saying this to discourage us, as every visit is a small win worth celebrating.
But we're getting further away from our natural selves, the rhythms of the earth and the movements our bodies crave.
Many may not even realise this and the impact it's having on us as a species.
We need to get back to basics — breathing, moving, eating, and sleeping — in alignment with nature's intentions.
But how do we do that in a world that seems designed to keep us indoors and stationed by our desks?
We need to reclaim our connection to nature and our bodies by integrating small, intentional steps into our daily routines.
As our world evolves rapidly with advancing technology, let's blend ancient wisdom with modern living for a healthier balance. Bring the old and the new to work together as a whole.
Let's now look at ways to bring in movement, agility, and outdoor living into our everyday lives!
10 ideas to get started
Dynamic workstation: Welcome to my squat station! I've set up a low table for my laptop, and I switch up my sitting position throughout the work day. After all, they say the best posture is your next one.
Ground living: Inspired by Moroccan floor couches, my living room setup encourages me to eat, work, and relax close to the ground.
Hang time: I've put up a pull-up bar on the kitchen door to stretch out and decompress. You can hang passively from a bar, rings, or a door frame. Feeling adventurous? Try finding a beautiful tree to hang from outdoors!
Movement breaks: I've got a yoga mat ready for quick stretches or dance breaks whenever I need a boost.
Active commuting: I walk or bike everywhere I can, and it often works out if I'm proactive and plan.
Chores as movement: I break up my workday with chores that get me moving.
Walk and talk meetings: I meet friends and family for walks as often as I can. It's great to consider which meetings we can take outside, while walking with others.
Outdoor work session: I like to take my work outside for pockets of time, for change of scenery and some vitamin D.
Barefoot freedom: I wear minimal shoes or go barefoot to let my feet move freely and get stronger, to in return better support the whole body.
Pattern breakers: I pay attention to how I move throughout the day and find ways to switch it up, even if it's just changing how I carry my bag.
Remember, it's not just about adding movement to our routines but also embracing movement variety. And why not invite joy and play in the process!
🌱 What's one thing you could implement today, regardless if you work from home or the office?
Such great advise and I love the way you wrote it; very nice and easy to read. You got me curious about the pull up bar and it is definitely something I will discuss at home hihi. About the crunch position; does it also work for example while sitting on a yoga block to start with? Keep up the great work! x
Love these 10 ways to incorporate natural movement into our day. I've recently moved my yoga mat and foam roller to the living room so they're in full view. It makes them more accessible to me. They used to be in my office, but I wasn't using them at all.