Beyond movement alone: rethinking health implications of purposeful physical (in)activity, stillness, and rest

Physical inactivity has become associated with a range of poor health outcomes. Major policy documents have urged actions to decrease physical inactivity at a population level and health promotion campaigns have urged individuals to change their behaviour at a personal level. In this Viewpoint, we challenge the orthodox view, which frames physical activity as solely good and healthy, and inactivity as solely bad and unhealthy. Labelling inactivity as only unhealthy ignores underlying politics and contexts, neglecting the vital role that rest plays in sustaining both wellbeing and the capacity to care for others. To resist, we call for a holistic appreciation of stillness and rest as part of a Dynamic Continuum of Human Movement. A shift in thinking would consider the potential health benefits of stillness as being socially active, mentally active and restorative. We offer policy and practice implications, and encourage the public health community to incorporate an empathetic, inclusive and holistic appreciation of stillness into health promotion messaging.