Movement is the key to energy. It really is true! Of all the things we can do to stay energized and healthy, keeping our bodies moving is right there at the top—even, and maybe especially, when we feel sluggish.
There are many reasons why we might not feel like being active, but a major one is due to thyroid disorder. Because of this, we’ll focus on the thyroid in our next Nutrition + Health class on November 22nd—the last one of the year!
Of course, the class will offer in-depth information and tips all about how to keep the thyroid functioning at its best. But right now, to help you energize right away, we want to put the spotlight on the role of exercise and the thyroid.
Your thyroid gland may not be very large, but it has a big influence on your health and wellbeing. It affects your body temperature, metabolism, heart rate, mood, bowel function and energy levels. If it’s not functioning well, you probably won’t feel like getting out there and getting the exercise you need to stay fit and happy. So what can you do? Start with small steps. Every little bit of exercise you get each day makes a difference.
There are little things you can do to increase your daily activity, and it all counts! Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator when you have the chance. Park at the far end of the parking lot at the grocery store. Take five to fifteen minutes to take an extra walk around your neighborhood or workplace, or do squats or pushups before jumping into your other responsibilities—it will be time well spent, helping you function more effectively and think more clearly.
The thyroid produces a hormone that regulates your metabolism, and exercise boosts metabolism, helping you reduce or maintain weight.
Studies show that exercising just 30 minutes a day, five days a week helps reduce the symptoms of both an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). The irony is that if you have hypothyroidism, you likely don’t feel like being active. Just take it a step at a time!
Ideally, you want to get some cardio, stretching and strength training in each day. The main thing is to do things that you enjoy—gardening, dancing, jogging, sports—and work things into your daily life, like walking the dog, or doing jumping jacks before sitting down in front of the computer or television, or taking a 30-minute time-out for one of our daily Mind, Body + Spirit classes.
Try it out, pay attention to how you feel in the moment and reflect on your energy at the end of the day, and end of the week. Making time to move may end up giving you more time and energy for all of the other things in your life.
