Intro
In this episode of the TED Radio Hour, titled “Body Electric Part 6: Walk Into The Future,” NPR’s Body Electric series investigates the relationship between our bodies and technology. The episode features the results from Columbia University’s Body Electric study, which explored the impact of movement breaks on participants’ health and well-being. Additionally, the episode explores how big tech companies are redesigning our screens and lives. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of the body and technology.
Main Takeaways
Improving Health Through Movement Breaks
- Over 23,000 people signed up for the Body Electric study with Columbia University to move more regularly and see if they could change their sedentary lives.
- Dana Lopez-Miley, a 43-year-old HR worker in Dallas, signed up for the study and found the five minutes of movement every 30 minutes to be a game changer for her.
- Dana was diagnosed with arteriosclerosis after having a stroke last year and changed her diet to 90% vegan to improve her health.
- Despite going on long walks with her dog, Dana’s blood sugar and blood pressure numbers weren’t where she wanted them to be until she incorporated the Body Electric movement into her remote work lifestyle.
- Taking breaks improved her energy and made her more efficient.
- Managing work around breaks was more effective than managing breaks around work.
- The body electric study resulted in significant health improvements for participants.
- Preliminary data shows that taking movement breaks improves fatigue levels and positive emotions while decreasing negative emotions.
- The group that took the most breaks every half hour had the greatest response.
- Compliance was a concern, but 60% of participants stuck with the program.
- 82-83% of participants liked the intervention, but only about half of those who took breaks every half hour said it was doable.
- The study gave participants the option to choose how often to take movement breaks, but even the highest frequency was less than what is recommended for an eight-hour workday.
- Movement breaks have amazing effects on productivity and energy levels at work.
- Participants found that taking movement breaks made them feel better and improved their mood and focus.
- Building movement breaks into work habits and routine can help create a habit like brushing teeth.
- Listening to body cues and feeling good from movement breaks is more effective than focusing on health benefits.
- Developing a long-term habit of movement breaks requires a supportive environment and self-motivation, rather than relying on technology like Fitbit or Apple Watch.
- The study on movement breaks will be continuing with a next phase.
- The hope is to spread the movement break habit through word of mouth.
The Impact of Technology on Our Lives
- The fourth industrial revolution is about using data to power artificial intelligence in our lives.
- Virtual reality technology is being used for gaming, training pilots, and teaching surgeons.
- Apple is set to release its vision pro headset, launching the era of spatial computing.
- The headset has the ability to take over our senses and make us feel like we can live in a different dimension.
- The headset can turn spreadsheets, articles, and photos into massive virtual objects.
- Soft Space is an app that can be used with the headset to walk around web pages like you’re in them.
- The software is more a proof of concept and for first adopters rather than the general public.
- Immersive technology requires a minimum amount of physical effort and puts our brains and bodies in the hands of technologists in a new and intense way.
- Augmented reality should be used for concentrated bouts of deep work, not something we use all the time.
- People will eventually realize that technology is like anything else, and you can have too much of it.
- We need to talk more about our concerns regarding technology that merges humans with machines.
- The world needs to balance technology use with the joy of feeling the earth beneath our feet and gazing at a real sky above.
- Technology has become an integral part of our lives.
- The use of technology has both positive and negative impacts on our physical and mental health.
- It is important to find a balance between technology use and spending time outdoors.
- Nature provides physical and mental benefits that cannot be found through technology.
- Taking breaks from technology can improve overall well-being and increase productivity.
Summary
Improving Health Through Movement Breaks
The Body Electric study conducted by Columbia University focused on the impact of movement breaks on participants’ health. Over 23,000 people signed up for the study, with Dana Lopez-Miley being one of them. Dana, who had been diagnosed with arteriosclerosis after a stroke, found the five minutes of movement every 30 minutes to be transformative. Incorporating movement breaks into her remote work lifestyle significantly improved her energy and made her more efficient. Preliminary data from the study showed that taking movement breaks improved fatigue levels, positive emotions, and decreased negative emotions. However, compliance and the frequency of breaks posed challenges. While participants experienced remarkable health improvements, developing a long-term habit of movement breaks requires a supportive environment and self-motivation.
The Impact of Technology on Our Lives
The fourth industrial revolution is characterized by the use of data to power artificial intelligence in our lives. Virtual reality technology, such as Apple’s vision pro headset, is revolutionizing gaming, training, and education. The headset has the ability to immerse users in a different dimension, turning spreadsheets, articles, and photos into virtual objects. However, the increasing reliance on technology raises concerns about the merging of humans and machines. It is crucial to find a balance between technology use and the joy of experiencing the natural world. Nature provides physical and mental benefits that cannot be replicated through technology. Taking breaks from technology can improve overall well-being and increase productivity.
Conclusion
The Body Electric study and the exploration of technology’s impact on our lives highlight the importance of finding a balance between movement and technology. Incorporating movement breaks into our work habits can have significant health benefits, improving energy, mood, and focus. However, it is essential to be mindful of the potential drawbacks of excessive technology use and the need to connect with the natural world. By embracing movement breaks and being conscious of our technology consumption, we can lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
