Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) is all the energy you burn through daily activities that aren’t formal workouts. This includes every little movement like walking to the mailbox, taking the stairs, doing chores, fidgeting at your desk, talking on the phone, standing at your work instead of sitting. While it may seem small, NEAT can make a big difference for your health and energy levels. While the resting metabolic rate (BMR) uses the most calories, NEAT can be a major component in terms of calorie expenditure. 🌟 Why NEAT is Good for You 🫀 Boosts Metabolism Regular movement throughout the day helps your body burn more calories naturally. Our bodies are built/made for movement--engaging this not only allows your body to be more attuned with what it's 'supposed to do' but it also helps you function better on multiple fronts. 🧠 Supports Brain and Mood Health Frequent movement improves blood flow to the brain, helping focus, energy, and mood. 💪 Reduces Sedentary Risk Breaking up long periods of sitting lowers the risks tied to cardiovascular disease and metabolic issues. 🦴 Protects Joints and Muscles Light, consistent activity keeps your muscles and joints mobile, reducing stiffness. 📝 Examples of NEAT Activities 🚶 Walk more: Take short walks after meals, park farther from entrances, or stroll while on phone calls. 🪣 Housework counts: Vacuuming, gardening, cleaning windows, and doing laundry all contribute. I am not a fan of vacuuming, but I get a legit sweat in every time I do it... 🪜 Take the stairs: Skip the elevator when possible and choose stairs instead. 🧹 Micro-break movement: Stand up and stretch, walk to a coworker instead of emailing, or pace during meetings. 🪑 Desk changes: Use a standing desk or shift positions throughout the day to keep your body active. 🎶 Dance it out: Put on music and dance around your house or office for a few minutes. *Here's a small example from the article below: "A 145 lb. person burns approximately 102 calories an hour while performing their office job in a seated position (1.7 kcal / minute), but burns 174 calories an hour if performing those same office duties while standing.

I spent some time thinking about water this morning. The symbolic nature of it--that seems to exist in many cultures and religions-- and also the very practical necessity for it. I spent time in gratitude for having access here--globally, there's a scarcity. Conflicts/tensions are increasing due to want of this access... Access that I take for granted...In fact, I laugh at myself that in spite of the abundance here, I forget to drink it and sometimes even when I remember, I don't take the time to get up to get some until I'm parched (By this point, dehydration and it's effects, certainly has set it). I deprive my body of a basic need--a need that has dire consequences when it goes unmet. In this post, I'm encouraging others to partake of this life source...make it more accessible (in line of sight) if you're like me and are forgetful or too zoned in on something else. Make it an intentional practice to nourish your body. ✨ Key Benefits of Drinking Enough Water: - 🧬 Cell Health: Every cell in your body relies on water to function properly. Hydration helps with nutrient absorption, oxygen delivery, and the removal of toxins, keeping your cells strong and energized. - 🧠 Neural Health: Your brain is about 75 percent water. Proper hydration improves concentration, focus, memory (maybe this is why I forget to drink it--maybe it's already impacting this), and even mood. Dehydration, on the other hand, can lead to brain fog, fatigue, and irritability. - 💪 Energy and Performance: Water regulates body temperature and supports muscle performance. Even mild dehydration can cause decreased strength and endurance. - 🌿 Digestion and Detox: Water aids in breaking down food, absorbing nutrients, and flushing out waste. It keeps your digestive system moving smoothly. - ✨ Skin and Appearance: Hydrated skin looks healthier, clearer, and more radiant. Lack of water can lead to dryness and dullness. - ❤️ Circulation and Heart Health: Water supports healthy blood flow, which carries oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while maintaining blood pressure balance.

Physical health 💪 is all about keeping your body strong 🏋️‍♀️, fueled 🍎, rested 😴, and energized ⚡. Fitness helps build strength and stamina, nutrition keeps everything running smoothly 🥦, and quality sleep recharges the mind and body 🌙✨. Self-care 💆‍♀️ and healthy lifestyle habits 🚴‍♂️ create balance and resilience for the long run. Taking care of your body is a daily investment in feeling your best 🌟. What’s one healthy habit you try to be consistent with? 🤔💭