Less Stress In Life
Welcome to Less Stress in Life—the podcast dedicated to helping you navigate life with greater ease, energy, and balance. In our Empowered Wellness series, we share practical tools, expert insights, and meaningful conversations designed to support your journey toward feeling more in control and at peace in your everyday life.
Hosted by Deb Timmerman, a registered nurse and reflexologist; Susie Marsh, a social worker and professional organizer; and Lindsay Vertalka, a physical therapist, we bring a unique blend of perspectives to help you move through life—literally and figuratively—with more confidence, grace, and vitality.
Whether it’s finding calm in chaos, creating supportive spaces, or building strength and resilience, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Join us to discover how small shifts can lead to big changes, helping you live with less stress and greater ease.
Less Stress In Life
Movement and Exercise for Brain Function and Physical Health
What if movement didn’t have to mean hitting the gym? In this episode of the Empowered Wellness Series, we explore how simple, joyful movement—like walking, gardening, or even grocery shopping—can boost your mood, protect your brain, and support your health at any age. Physical therapist Lindsay Vertalka breaks down the difference between movement and exercise, and why both are essential for feeling your best.
🎧 Tune in for practical tips and real-life stories that just might get you moving!
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Website: LessStressinLife.com/podcast/
Stay tuned for more conversations with Deb, Susie, and Lindsay as they empower you to live well, manage stress, and build a thriving, healthy life!
Episode Summary:
In this energizing episode of the Empowered Wellness Series, Deb, Lindsay, and Susie unpack the difference between movement and exercise, explore how each supports healing, and why staying active is about feeling good, not hitting the gym.
Lindsay Vertalka, a physical therapist, leads the discussion, sharing insights on how movement nourishes both body and brain, enhancing strength, digestion, cognitive function, mood, and even longevity. Whether you're gardening, walking at Meijer, or trying Tai Chi, intentional movement matters.
You'll also hear real-life stories, surprising research on sedentary habits, and simple ways to bring joyful motion back into your daily routine, at any age or ability level.
Key Takeaways:
- Movement vs. Exercise:
Movement is daily life activity (like chores or gardening); exercise is structured and goal-based. Both support well-being. - Sitting is the New Smoking:
Americans sit an average of 11 hours a day. Sedentary habits are linked to obesity, chronic illness, and even reduced life expectancy. - Mental Health Benefits:
Exercise releases endorphins, improves mood, lowers anxiety, and helps reduce the risk of dementia by increasing blood flow to the brain. - Digestive Support:
Movement keeps the digestive tract active, vital for preventing issues like chronic constipation. - It's Never Too Late (or Too Early):
From stroke rehab to senior fitness to kids in wheelchairs, everyone benefits from intentional movement. - Build a Habit That Sticks:
Start small. Schedule it. Make it fun. Find an accountability partner. Pick activities you enjoy and adjust to fit your lifestyle.
Try This:
- Schedule a daily “movement snack” (5–10 minutes of light activity)
- Pair walking with something fun: a podcast, music, or a mindful pause
- Set a timer to break up long sitting sessions
- Visit a senior center or wellness class to explore group options
Quote of the Episode:
"Movement is medicine. If you don’t use it, you lose it." – Lindsay Vertalka, MPT