The Power of Movement: A Story of Staying Active

Maya was a lively young woman who lived in the Shanti town. Maya was always running around with her friends and jumping from one activity to the next because she had a lot of energy. But as she got older, she noticed that she spent more time sitting, whether studying for school, playing video games, or watching TV. She had a hard time doing the things that used to make her days full of joy and movement because of her busy schedule. One afternoon, while Maya and her grandmother Nani were seated in their warm living room, Nani noticed that Maya was looking a little down. Her face did not appear as bright as usual, and she was less bubbly than usual. "My dear, what's going on?" Nani inquired after putting her knitting down. Maya let out a disappointed sigh. "Nani, I'm uncertain. I used to run around constantly, but now I just feel exhausted constantly. I occasionally experience muscle pain and headaches. Recently, I think I've been sitting too much. Nani gave a slight smile as she raised her eyebrows. "Oh, my dear Maya. I think I know what you need. You need the power of movement!”

Maya appeared perplexed. "The ability to move?" Nani said, nodding, "Yes." You can see that your body was made to move. Your muscles get stronger, your heart gets better, and your mind feels better when you move. We need to engage in physical activity, not just do it. It contributes to our sense of well-being, joy, and vigor. Maya was curious to a point. “However, Nani, I don't really have time for exercise because I have so many other responsibilities and schoolwork to complete. I don't know where to begin. Nani gave a soft chuckle. Ah, it need not be difficult or time-consuming. All you need to do is make room for fun, little things. You don't have to run a marathon or work out for hours at the gym. It could be something as simple as taking a walk, dancing to your favorite music, or playing a sport you enjoy.”

Maya gave it some thought for a moment. “But I do like to play basketball with my friends. I just don’t do it as much anymore.”

“Exactly!” With sparkling eyes, Nani said "Start with your passion. The most important thing is to keep moving and incorporate it into your daily routine. Even 20 or 30 minutes of physical activity can make a big difference in how you feel.”

Maya made the decision to heed Nani's advice the following day. She joined her friends in the park for a game of basketball. She initially felt a little rusty, but as they played, she regained her energy. The cool breeze hit her face as she ran faster and jumped higher. Her muscles felt alive again, and her mind became clearer.

After the game, Maya felt a rush of happiness. "That was incredible, Nani!" She said in the afternoon. After playing basketball, I feel so much better. I hadn't realized how much I missed being able to move around that way. Nani smiled and gave her a hug. "My dear, that's the magic of movement. It’s not just good for your body—it’s good for your heart and your mind. Physical activity can boost your mood and help you manage stress. You'll get stronger and more energetic the more you do it. The following week, Maya made a plan to incorporate more physical activity into her daily routine. She began walking to school instead of taking the bus, took the stairs instead of the elevator, and even danced around the house while doing chores. Whenever she had a break from studying, she would do a few stretches or go for a jog in the park.

She also started going to yoga in the mornings with her Nani. Nani explained, "Yoga is a great way to relax and strengthen your body at the same time." "It helps with mindfulness, balance, and flexibility." Maya soon noticed that she wasn’t just feeling more energetic—she was sleeping better, too. Her headaches became less frequent, and her mood was much brighter. As she kept up her daily routine of physical activity, she realized that her body felt stronger and more capable than before.

One day, Maya’s friend Priya came over, looking tired and frustrated. “Maya, I’ve been sitting for hours studying for my exams. I feel exhausted and stressed, but I still have so much to do.”

Maya thought for a moment and then smiled. I've been feeling the same way before, you know. But I started moving more, going for short walks, playing basketball, and doing some exercise. It really helped me clear my head and feel more focused.”

Priya seemed interested. “Really? I haven't done much exercise lately. I feared it would make me more exhausted. “No way!” Maya said, excitedly. “Exercise actually gives you more energy! It helps your body work better, and it clears your mind. You should give it a shot with me! How about we go for a walk after school?”

Priya hesitated at first, but eventually agreed. The two of them walked through the neighborhood, chatting about everything and anything. Priya noticed how much better she felt, both physically and mentally, after just a short walk. She was surprised at how much more clear her mind was when they got home. "I can't believe how good I feel after just a walk!" With a smile, Priya said. “Maybe I should start doing this more often.”

Maya gave a nod. It all comes down to making it a habit. And you'll feel better the more you do it." Over the next few weeks, Maya and Priya continued their walks together. Priya also joined Maya in the basketball games, and they even started doing stretches before studying to keep their bodies relaxed. They both noticed their energy levels increasing, and their stress levels decreasing.

As Maya continued to make physical activity a regular part of her life, she shared her newfound love of movement with her family and friends. She encouraged everyone around her to take small steps toward staying active, whether it was dancing in the living room, walking to the store, or playing a sport they loved.

Maya learned that staying active wasn’t just about looking strong—it was about feeling strong, inside and out. Physical activity helped her manage stress, improve her health, and boost her happiness. And with each step, jump, and stretch, Maya felt more empowered and ready to face anything that came her way.