Move!: The New Science of Mind Over Body, by Caroline Williams

 

Why movement is not only good for our bodies, but for our brains as well.

As we all know, our lives are too sedentary. The last century has brought us many labour saving devices – cars and washing machines – but there has been a detrimental effect. We are moving less and less. As Move! by Caroline Williams shows, this is even having an effect on our cognition. Exercise – whether it be walking, dancing or gardening – helps power up brain function. Sadly, research shows that IQ scores have been dropping over recent decades. Lazy limbs are leading to lazy minds.

A book on the benefits of movement sounds like a guilt inducing trip urging us to quickly sign up for all year aquatic passes and gym memberships. That's not the aim here. What Move! shows, backed up by the latest science and interviews with experts in the field, is how important the simple, everyday movements are in life. Walking, jumping, doing housework, sitting straight and not slouching, or simply performing a few stretches. Did you even know that laughter is good for your core? The final chapter concentrates on a topic that may surprise many in a book about movement: breathing. Correct breathing should be evenly measured and done through the nose, not the mouth. There are many health benefits in this technique, as the nose filters air. Slowing down breathing to six breaths per minute can induce a state of meditative calm.
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Move! is a nifty little book that uses science to explore the mind-body connection and urges readers to not think of their brains and bodies as things in isolation, but as a fully integrated nervous system that requires thought and care.

Move!: The New Science of Mind Over Body, by Caroline Williams. Published by Profile Trade. $22.99

JUNE 2022