A change in job or career often feels awkward. During this transition, as you prepare for interviews, write resumes, fill out applications and conduct research, don’t forget to keep your body moving too.
Yes, you have probably heard this before, but the secret I’m going to share is not well known.
The human body was made for movement. For survival, transportation, recreation, work and even job hunting, we were made to move. Most of these functions in the modern era have evolved to sitting still for long periods of time. It is said that the most regular exercise a normal city dweller has, if they don’t join a gym, is grocery shopping.
Pushing yourself away from the computer and getting outside to walk 15-30 minutes each day increases mental alertness, reduces stress and assists in healing. You will be amazed at the perspective and ideas that can pop up.
Let me introduce the essential reason as to why taking a walk is so effective:
The Heart
Our heart is approximately the size of a curled fist. Compared to the rest of our body it is tiny. The heart is the pump tasked with circulating the all-important blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout our bodies. It is pumped down to the feet and back up to the lungs and heart.
Mechanically speaking, it is a feat too difficult to achieve alone. Let me introduce you to the miracle of your . . .
Second Heart
All veins have one-way valves that prevent backflow and push blood back up toward the heart. Every time surrounding muscles move, they push on those veins, which in turn pushes blood back toward the heart and lungs. The largest concentration of those muscles and veins are found in the Calf, otherwise known as the second heart of the body.
This powerful combination is engaged by simply taking a step in any direction. It is your built-in “marvel of engineering” to enhance your quality of life as you move toward the next step in your career.
Go out, meet people, breathe in that fresh air, take time to think about what you want your future to hold, and plan your foundation for success.
As the First Lady of Aerobics, Millie Cooper said, “It is worth the time to go walk your dog every day, even if you don’t have one.”
JoAnn Kawamoto is a Workforce Solutions Regional Facilitator for the Houston – Galveston area, conducting job skills seminars throughout the 13 county Gulf Coast region. She applies her B.Ed. and over 15 years of Workforce Development, Allied Healthcare, and Contract Management to connect potential employees with employers.
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