Let’s begin with a story:
Ben is a great guy—a dedicated employee, loving husband, and caring father. He starts every day with breakfast at the table with his wife and son. Then, he sits in his car for the morning commute. He takes the elevator to his office on the 4th floor, where he spends the bulk of his day seated—at his desk, in meetings, and at lunch with colleagues. After working late, again, Ben drives home, heats up a quick TV dinner, and collapses into his favourite chair to wind down with some shows. A handful of pills later, he tosses and turns until he finally falls into a restless sleep.
Sound familiar?
Our modern lifestyle is built around sitting. We sit to eat, work, drive, relax, and even socialize. The phrase “Please, have a seat” is basically shorthand for comfort. But the reality? This comfort comes at a cost.
Most of us already know that a sedentary lifestyle is linked to increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even cancer. In fact, sitting for more than four hours a day has been associated with significantly shorter life spans and overall poorer health. Some researchers have gone so far as to say that your office chair may be worse for your health than smoking.
Movement: Your Brain’s Natural Fuel
Human beings didn’t evolve in a chair. Our brains developed while our bodies were in almost constant motion. Our early ancestors roamed kilometres each day, walking or running to find food, safety, and shelter. That constant movement shaped not just our muscles and bones, but our minds.
Modern research backs this up: people who move regularly outperform sedentary individuals in tasks involving memory, problem-solving, attention, and even creativity. “Thinking on your feet” is more than just a figure of speech—it’s a real, measurable cognitive benefit of physical activity.
Aerobic movement in particular (the kind that gets your heart pumping but still allows you to hold a conversation) has been shown to:
- Improve long-term memory and focus
- Boost mood—sometimes as effectively as antidepressants
- Sharpen reasoning and fluid intelligence
- Cut your risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s, and stroke in half
And though your brain only makes up about 2% of your body weight, it uses a whopping 20% of your energy. Movement increases blood flow to the brain, delivering oxygen and nutrients while clearing out waste. It also stimulates the release of a powerful brain-growth hormone—nicknamed “Miracle-Gro for the brain”—which strengthens neural connections and helps you learn better and faster.
What Should You Do?
If you’re thinking a single gym session after 10 hours at a desk will undo the damage—think again. It’s not about one big effort, it’s about integrating movement throughout your day.
Here are some simple strategies:
- Stand for at least 2 hours a day, gradually working up to 4.
- Use a standing desk—or improvise with boxes or coffee tables.
- Walk during calls, meetings, or lunch breaks.
- Fidget freely—yes, even tapping your feet or bouncing your knees helps!
- Try moving for 2 minutes every half an hour.
And here’s something really interesting—author Daniel Pink, in his book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, highlights that the way we structure our day has a major impact on performance. His research shows that movement in the morning doesn’t just benefit physical health—it significantly boosts afternoon productivity. People who get some exercise early in the day are more focused, more creative, and more resilient to stress as the day wears on.
If your boss needs convincing, tell them that studies show movement during the day can boost productivity by up to 15%. That’s not just better for your brain—it’s better for business. Getting more done in less time also means more opportunity for the things that truly matter: playing with your kids, enjoying a hobby, catching a sunset.
And don’t forget to play. Go barefoot in the grass. Crawl, tumble, jump, roll, throw, and move in every direction. Our bodies—and especially our joints and inner ears—thrive on dynamic, multi-directional movement. Most of what we do happens straight in front of us, but our bodies are built for more.
Find the kind of movement that brings you joy. Maybe it’s hiking, climbing, dancing, or a walk with a good friend. When you want to move, rather than feeling like you have to, everything changes.
Where Chiropractic Care Fits In
Many of our practice members come to us wanting to return to sport or regain their physical abilities—but how did they get off track in the first place?
Often, it’s a cycle: poor posture, reduced movement, pain, more sitting, and eventually injury. This cycle, known as the injury-recovery loop, is the enemy of consistency—and consistency is the foundation of progress.
That’s where Chiropractic care comes in. When you’re subluxated, your body doesn’t move efficiently. Simple tests, like marching in place, often show how your coordination suffers. And when movement quality declines, the risk of injury—both big and small—goes up.
Chiropractic adjustments help clear the communication pathways between your brain and body, improving balance, coordination, and mobility. In short, adjustments help you move more and move better. And when movement feels good again, you’re more likely to do it consistently.
Let’s End With Another Story
Meet Larry.
Larry wakes early and goes for a morning walk in nature with his wife. They chat about their goals for the day and enjoy the fresh air. On the way to work, he stops by his chiropractor’s office for an adjustment. He parks at the far end of the lot and takes the stairs to the 4th floor. His standing desk keeps him alert and engaged, and the textured mat under his feet stimulates his muscles.
At lunch, he walks to a nearby café instead of sitting in the breakroom. He wraps up his work on time and heads out to coach his daughter’s softball team, running barefoot and demonstrating drills. After dinner with his family, he and his wife head to their ballroom dance class.
By bedtime, Larry feels satisfied, connected, and physically spent in the best way. Sleep comes easily.
Ready to Make the Shift?
You don’t have to transform overnight. Start with one small change: a morning walk, a few stretches at your desk, or a Chiropractic check-up to help you move and feel your best.
Your body—and your brain—were made to move. Let us help you rediscover the joy of motion and the health that comes with it.
