Don't Exercise Today!

It’s definitely no secret that one of the most important things in our lives for general health is to move our bodies. Here at WA University while we're focused and dialed in to our daily task we've got to find a way to implement movement for some much needed blood flow to our brains.

We’re all aware that exercise is scientifically proven to be beneficial to our overall wellbeing, and essential to our longevity. I certainly recommend getting traditional exercise whenever possible and as often as your schedule permits. But what can we do for some added circulation if our schedules won’t accommodate a trip to the local fitness center?

Exercise doesn’t always have to be lifting weights, running or cycling. What can we do in the middle of our days as sedimentary computer, laptop and tablet people? Here are a couple of silly ways to go about getting some much needed blood flow to the brain while we’re in the middle of a long day of blogging or website creation.

2 SIMPLE IDEAS THAT HELP GET THE BLOOD FLOWING:

1. Electric Neck (not as shocking as it sounds)

a) Stand next to your desk, table, couch or work area and raise yourself onto your tippy toes.

b) Hold on to a secure surface and slowly lean your head back as if you were trying to touch your skull to your spine while you inhale slowly and deeply – hold for 12 seconds continuing to breathe; inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply.

c) Slowly take a deep breath when you count to 12 seconds and exhale as you return your head to its normal position and lower yourself from your tippy toes.

d) Repeat steps a) and b) at a slow pace 3-5 times.

2. Reach For the Sky

e) Scoot as far as safely possible in your seat, lean dramatically forward and arch your back as much as still comfortable with your arms at your sides allowing your hands to dangle freely.

f) After 8 seconds, while your back is still arched, raise your hands palm wards up and extend both arms as high as possible; feel the stretch as you extend your fingers and breathe in and out deeply and slowly for 10 seconds, return your arms to your sides allowing your hands to dangle freely.

g) Repeat step f) three additional times

This little blood flow routine will definitely not help you lose belly fat or help you with any fitness goals. It's simply my silly little creation to help break up the monotony of a day of attempted creativity. Try it safely!

In the meantime, all happy thoughts and all happy things to you!