Today we continue to discuss my pillars of physical well-being with exercise, but I'd rather call it movement.

One should stand up at least once an hour and if you walk about 10,000 steps every day then moderately not too vigorously, but moderately, with moderate degree of exertion.

That is actually enough for managing movement but more important than just

regular movement I also suggest mind body coordination through a practice like yoga or Tai Chi or

Chigong or martial arts or ballet or dance. This brings mind and body very close and also many of these mind body

techniques especially yoga stimulate the Vegas nerve which is the

parasympathetic nerve in our body that is doing the opposite of what

the sympathetic nervous system does. The sympathetic nervous system keeps us very alert and on the go and sympathetic overdrive can

cause stress it can cause what is called the fight-flight response.

On the other hand, the Vegas Nove slows down everything

and also causes self-regulation of the abdominal organs and also increases heart rate

variability which is a very good sign that you're healthy.

So mind body coordination is very important.

Other than that, I take escalators instead of elevators and usually don't even take escalators just walk up the steps.

If I take the subway I get off about station or two behind before my destination so I can get some

extra charge. I don't sit for more than an hour at a time and all of this is to keep your body, mind and spirit integrated and

functioning as a unified whole. It's not only important to live long,

it's not only important to live long, but to live a long and healthy life.

Building in movement into your daily routine is a key way to minimize pain and inflammation as you age.

Please continue with me tomorrow to focus on pain and how we can actually separate pain from suffering.

Until then, get moving.