Stepping on stage to deliver my “The Habit of Play” keynote at two different events recently, the most significant insight wasn’t mine. 

It came from the audience.

When I asked them to share simple ways they could move more throughout the day, the responses were brilliant:

•  “I’m taking laundry up one load at a time — more steps, less stress.”
•  “Our engineering team walks together three times a day.”
•  “I dance in my car — I’m a bus driver, so I move wherever I can.”

Not workouts.

Not programs.

Just real, doable habits that anyone can incorporate into their daily routine.

Women of all ages leaning in, laughing, nodding, and realizing — maybe for the first time in a long time — that their bodies don’t need perfection, they need participation.  

And this matters because globally, 1 in 3 (yes, 1 in 3) women does not do enough physical activity (about 20 minutes a day) to stay healthy. 

Then, this week, along came the new ParticipACTION 2025 Report Card, a comprehensive study showing that adults in Canada are sedentary for 9.6 hours per day (excluding sleep), a significant contributor to various health issues.

But here’s the hopeful part (because if you know me, I’m all about finding the bright spots):

Just 2 minutes of movement every hour can lower the risk of premature death by 33%.

Two minutes. Not two hours. Not two workouts. Two minutes.

Optimal health isn’t a willpower issue — it’s a design issue.

Our lives aren’t built for movement – the number of sedentary jobs has increased by 83% since the 1950s, so we have to be intentional about building movement into our lives.

This is where The Habit of Play becomes soessentialt.

The missing piece in most wellness strategies isn’t discipline — it’s behaviour change science, autonomy, and inclusion. 

When people get to choose how they move, and movement feels joyful rather than prescriptive, they actually do it.

NEAT (non-exercise activity) is the quiet powerhouse here:

🙌 Small bursts of movement

🙌Throughout the day

🙌 In ways that fit real life

And when women share what’s working, something incredible happens:

Movement becomes contagious.

Play spreads.

Health feels possible again.

If we want healthier workplaces, healthier communities, and healthier futures, we need more of this, not more pressure, but more possibility.

Play is not a luxury. It’s a strategy for long-term health span.

Play on.

Your friend and coach,

Jan

PS: Whenever you are ready, here are 3 more ways I can help you PLAY for life:

1. Click here to grab a copy of my best-selling book: The Play Book:  How To Get In The Habit Of Good Health
2. Join the FREE 7-Day Healthy Habits Course, my FREE online course with workouts, food and fun you’ll actually enjoy…chocolate included!
3. Want to work with me personally on your wellness goals? Click here to book a call.