WHY DIDN'T I DO THIS SOONER?

Then there's this bit on lactate, which also blew my mind:

"The latest research even suggests that lactate—the metabolic by-product of exercise that is commonly, but erroneously, blamed for muscle soreness—has positive effects on mental health. After lactate is released by muscles, it travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it alters your neurochemistry in a way that can reduce anxiety and protect against depression." 🤯

If you're thinking, "So cool! And also: this isn't exactly breaking news..."

You're right.

Like with most things, the game-changer isn't knowing it. It's applying it.

And I know it's easier read than done.

Aforementioned rich-chocolate dopamine inspired me to share some thoughts and tools that have helped me consistently weave more movement into my day-to-day life in case they spark something for you:

🧠 1. Make it easy or you won't do it.

If movement feels EXTRA, your efficiency-loving brain will fight it.

If it’s woven into your day and activites you already do on autopilot? No resistance.

Willpower is overrated. Working with our brains and true preferences is the vibe.

That's why I created this whole series of podcasts on habits last year.

🪄2. Make excuses disappear.

My go-to excuse for lower movement days used to be weather.

(And man-eating mosquitos.)

When we lived in Hawaii, daily movement was easy.

In Texas? I'm Goldilocks. 💅

Obvious as it may sound, once I realized I could just walk INSIDE (!), making laps around the kitchen or even walking in place while watching a show in the living room, that entire layer of excuses disappeared and a whole new world of movement opened up.

🔌 3. The literal switch that changed everything.

I researched and wishlisted walking pad and standing desk setups for years before finally taking the plunge (on a Prime Day in 2023, because discounts).

My best hack for actually using it vs. letting it collect dust now that it's in my space?

Tapping into the "mom brain" trick I share in this On Her Terms® episode.

When I know I have at least a minute of screen-y work to do, I put my excuse brain on a five-second bypass while my mom brain flips the switch to turn on the walking pad.

(I basically shush myself while she takes the lead.)

Once I'm moving, I. AM. MOVING.

I can walk -- slowly, for literal miles -- while drafting emails, organizing ideas, saving receipts, booking appointments, checking my DMs for reelcess, even watching a show 🙃

It’s barely effort, but my moods and Oura ring trends remind me that it all adds up:

Of course there are some days / weeks (looking at you, week four!) I prefer to keep my 🍑 seated and work from comfy chairs, loveseats, BED, etc....

But on the days I manage to flip that switch, I note a meaningful difference in how I feel mentally and physically in a day (and thus, LIFE).

Back to you.

What’s your version of the walking pad switch?

What’s one small move -- physical or otherwise -- that could create more energy and momentum for you this week? ⚡️

Not sure? Reply with MOVE and I'll send you a simple Q to help you find it

P.S. If you’re curious which models I ended up with (after asking everyone I know with a standing desk/walking pad and overthinking anyway 🙃), here are my affiliate links to the two I've been using:

Redliro Walking Pad | Banti Electric Standing Desk

I don’t have strong preferences on the models themselves; I went with good reviews, the right size, and aesthetics I liked. Most brands had similar features, and they always seem to have a discount or coupon.

Quick notes:

✨ Walking pad - the wood-trimmed options won me over.

✨ Standing desk - a bit Bambi-on-ice in terms of steadiness (bc wheels + stilts!).

✨ Cable situation - not ideal, but I don't want to cut my rug (💃🏻) to hide them, and I like the desk facing my doors for optimal "power position" energy.

If I have a call where I'd rather sit, I just lower the desk, move the walking pad to the side, and grab my chair or big blue ball.

Writing by hand while walking is a big NO for me. Too chaotic. Prefer a stable cozy spot for legit penmanship. ✏️