Dancing with the Dude
Working at home seems like the dream job, right?
Yeah, in many ways it is, but from my own experience, and according to several articles I have read recently, there is a significant drawback: a lack of physical activity. I know that personally, I am in pretty bad shape right now. I used to do a job that was quite physical, but now I tend to spend most of my time sitting at my computer. My butt gets flatter as my belly gets rounder, and my endurance has gone down. That's not so good.
There is plenty of evidence that long bouts of sitting can have both physical and emotional consequences.Too much sitting reduces blood flow to the legs and can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, referred to as atherosclerosis. Those who sit for 8 hours or more each day (that's me!) are at an increased risk for diabetes, depression and obesity. Fortunately, they say even just 5 minutes of getting up and walking each hour can help offset this.
Not so long ago, I started doing my reading while on a treadmill. I need to do a fair bit of research for the writing jobs I have been receiving, so that is a perfect time for me to walk a bit. It has helped, but I know I still need to be more active, and this seems to be quite common.
I have read recently that one of the best exercises you can do is... dance. Huh.
That is rather unfortunate, since I have never been much of a dancer. Sure I did ice dancing for several years, even competing, but regular old dancing? Nope. Usually if I try to dance, service dogs knock me down and lie on me to await medical assistance...
Still, I thought I should try something. They say that even the most moderate forms of dancing burns as many calories as cycling, so why not? I decided that once per hour, I would get up and dance, and surprisingly, I don't hate it. In fact, it does seem to boost my mood, along with my heart rate.
So, how does the Dude factor into this? Well, they say that a key component of visualisation and using the Law of Attraction involves your emotions. It's great to visualise the things you want, it's even better to do so in a positive, upbeat frame of mind, so when I am dancing (poorly), I use that time to focus on my goals and aspirations. I talk things over with the Dude, dancing with the universe. A different type of Dancing with the Stars! And if you listen to music while you work, it seems like a natural thing to do.
So, get up and move. You may be surprised at how good it feels, and you'll be doing your body a favour.
Just make sure you don't freak out your pets.
Wishing you all love and laughter.
Recent Comments
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What a positive, happy image Craig! I love this post! Good for you, exercise, a better outlook on life, conversations with the Dude, all wrapped into one.
I thought of another benefit for you too:
It will help warm you up when you are bundled up in the cold!
Jessica
It seemed silly to me at first, but I am finding that it is actually quite nice. It really does get the energy flowing and puts you into a positive frame of mind. I guess it must release endorphins or something.
I think you are right about it also keeping you warm. We are keeping the house on the cool side these days, so that could be beneficial!
I remember you talking about the slippers and fuzzy pants and jacket! I understand. It was really cold in here too. I need to find slippers that are boxed up still since we moved!
I may be slowly adapting to the change in weather. I have been able to shed the top layer (my housecoat) but still have a sweater on. Lol.
It's not all bad, though. I'm getting reacquainted with hot chocolate.
Also: Good memory!
Do you do that a few times a week? Do you have a daily routine?
I used to work with a woman who did physical therapy of some kind (I'm not sure what it was for) and she also felt it was very helpful. Her favourite thing, though, was actually visiting her chiropractor. She said she always came away from that feeling 10 years younger.
I stick to walking and listening to music.. two left feet. Not that I dance bad. I literally trip over my OWN feet. Then the ambulance, EMTS, hospital..
Not a pretty picture. That is why I stick to walking everywhere. When I need to think I will just take off walking somewhere to sort things out. Seems to help me.
Tried and true
Elaine
I can sympathise. I am definitely not the most graceful person you will ever meet. Sometimes I'll be "dancing" and even I will stop and wonder what the heck I'm trying to accomplish and start laughing.
When I was younger, I was always very slim. Today, not so much. Ha ha.
I used to do Kyokushin karate, but when we moved from Montreal to where we live now, I stopped. My sons are in Jiu Jitsu and I have considered joining, but I don't have the money right now. Hopefully one day.
I'm also considering yoga because I'd like to regain some flexibility that I have lost.
Most of my work on the computer is done standing and it really helps by using the Varidesk. Also going to the gym 4 times a week do wonders for me. Thank you for sharing, hope this helps.
I think Jay actually had a site with standing desks, if I am not mistaken. I have actually thought about something like that, but I would need to keep moving. I wouldn't be able to simply stand still for long periods. I have done enough of that working cash registers at various jobs I've had. :)
I know it sounds a bit silly, but it is actually pretty cool. It boosts your mood even if-- maybe especially if-- you can't dance.
I just have one request, Craig: PLEEEEEZE send me a video!!! No, not to laugh, to get...ah...training and make sure my form is correct (does that sound convincing?).
You wanna watch me boogie-oogie-oogie till I just can't boogie no more?
ha ha!
At the moment, my dance moves are punctuated by bouts of wheezing and gasping, but, ok. :)
LOL! once per hour WOOHOO - that's a very interesting visual for us all Craig, except we'll all join in and even things up a little here :D
let's see who the dogs knock over and sit on first!
btw it hurts just to look at the guy in that pic do that!
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Great post thanks