Latest Issue of the MindBrainEd Think Tank + (ISSN 2434-1002) 7 MindBrained Bulletin Think Tank V4i7 Exercise J | Page 8

Think Tank:
Exercise
Steve Jugovic
Exercise and intermittent movement
Sit. Write. Stand. Sit. Write. Stand. You might be surprised by the standing, but I am
conducting an experiment: modifying my lifestyle to improve my physical and
mental health. So what does standing have to do with it? And what does this have to
do with teaching? Let’s look at both of those points.
First of all, based on evolutionary history, the human body was designed for a full
range of movement. In the past, we regularly needed to be mobile and alert in a
challenging environment but these days our sedentary lifestyles are, literally, slowly
killing us. Being seated for extended periods, rather than moving, can result in:
skeletal problems, muscle deactivation, inefficient breathing, reduced blood
circulation, decreased alertness, etc. For now, why not take a minute to enjoy your
favorite limbering up routine or simply move a little, stretch, stand up and take a few
slow breaths - in through the nose, out through the mouth, while paying attention to
your posture, lungs, and abdomen. Better still, take a few steps, try a few squats or
challenge yourself with the “air chair” to get that blood flowing and oxygen moving to
fuel the brain.
Picture source: New Scientist August 2015, “Why choosing the right workout could fine-tune your brain”
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