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Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being
“A compelling, necessary and hopeful read for our busy, burned out, overwhelming and tech-addicted times. This book will make you want to move!" ―Brigid Schulte, New York Times bestselling author of Over Work
From award-winning journalist and host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour Manoush Zomorodi, a timely investigation into how screens and sitting are reshaping our bodies―and how a simple shift can change everything.
In today’s world, a perfectly normal day means sitting in front of a screen for eight to ten hours. Meeting after meeting. Task after task. Email after email. If we’re not chained to our chairs, we’re attached to our devices, looking down at our phones and plugging in headphones. And then we go home, sit down on the couch, and scroll some more before going to bed and doing it all over again. Even children are not Many hours of their social and academic lives are spent on a screen.
We all know there has to be a better way―but what is it? In Body Electric, Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour and the Body Electric podcast, draws on expert interviews, cutting-edge research, and real experiences from tens of thousands of everyday participants in her own citizen experiment to reveal the surprising physiological costs of our digital existences, from posture problems and dwindling eyesight to disrupted breathing and weight gain, and shares scientifically-backed, easy-to-manage tactics and solutions for better health and well-being. Along the way, she also debunks myths and misconceptions about what helps and hurts us, offers useful insights into the labs, offices, schools, and homes where small shifts are making big difference, culminating in an easy-to-apply protocol that will get us all moving.
From award-winning journalist and host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour Manoush Zomorodi, a timely investigation into how screens and sitting are reshaping our bodies―and how a simple shift can change everything.
In today’s world, a perfectly normal day means sitting in front of a screen for eight to ten hours. Meeting after meeting. Task after task. Email after email. If we’re not chained to our chairs, we’re attached to our devices, looking down at our phones and plugging in headphones. And then we go home, sit down on the couch, and scroll some more before going to bed and doing it all over again. Even children are not Many hours of their social and academic lives are spent on a screen.
We all know there has to be a better way―but what is it? In Body Electric, Manoush Zomorodi, host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour and the Body Electric podcast, draws on expert interviews, cutting-edge research, and real experiences from tens of thousands of everyday participants in her own citizen experiment to reveal the surprising physiological costs of our digital existences, from posture problems and dwindling eyesight to disrupted breathing and weight gain, and shares scientifically-backed, easy-to-manage tactics and solutions for better health and well-being. Along the way, she also debunks myths and misconceptions about what helps and hurts us, offers useful insights into the labs, offices, schools, and homes where small shifts are making big difference, culminating in an easy-to-apply protocol that will get us all moving.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published May 5, 2026
About the author
Manoush Zomorodi
6 books187 followersManoush Zomorodi is the incoming host of NPR’s TED Radio Hour and co-founder of Stable Genius Productions. She is also the co-host and co-creator of ZigZag, the business podcast about being human.
Investigating how technology and business are transforming humanity is Manoush’s passion and expertise. Her book Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Creative Self (2017, St. Martin’s Press) and TED Talk (3.3m+ views) are guides to surviving the “Attention Economy.” She was one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business for 2018. Manoush created and hosted the podcast Note to Self from 2013-2019, in partnership with WNYC Studios. The Academy of Podcasters named Note to Self Best Tech Podcast of 2017. Manoush has received numerous awards for her work, including The Gracie in 2014 and 2018 for Best Radio Host.
She is half-Persian and half-Swiss but was born in NYC, where she lives with her family.
Investigating how technology and business are transforming humanity is Manoush’s passion and expertise. Her book Bored and Brilliant: How Spacing Out Can Unlock Your Most Creative Self (2017, St. Martin’s Press) and TED Talk (3.3m+ views) are guides to surviving the “Attention Economy.” She was one of Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business for 2018. Manoush created and hosted the podcast Note to Self from 2013-2019, in partnership with WNYC Studios. The Academy of Podcasters named Note to Self Best Tech Podcast of 2017. Manoush has received numerous awards for her work, including The Gracie in 2014 and 2018 for Best Radio Host.
She is half-Persian and half-Swiss but was born in NYC, where she lives with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
January 22, 2026
This non fiction book was great! I really enjoyed reading it and I feel like I have learned a lot. It definitely gave me a wake up call! I found it to be informative, hopeful, inspiring and lighthearted. It has become my new favorite non fiction book of the year! I honestly feel that this book would be relatable to everyone, in some way. It gives people solutions to their problems, which are heavily backed up by science.
It is about how people in this modern world have become so dependent on technology. Furthermore, this book investigates on how technology affects our mental and physical health. Technology is a good thing to have and most of us cannot go without it, but we can change small things here and there.
Just going for a short walk can make a difference on our mental and physical well being. It is a book that gives you insight on how you can get healthier, while living in this technological world. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning new ways to improve their overall mental and physical health! Overall, I give this book a high 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating! It is an excellent resource!
Thank you to NetGalley. Authors Manoush Zomorodi; Keith Diaz, PhD and Flatiron Books for this digital eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on May 5, 2026!
It is about how people in this modern world have become so dependent on technology. Furthermore, this book investigates on how technology affects our mental and physical health. Technology is a good thing to have and most of us cannot go without it, but we can change small things here and there.
Just going for a short walk can make a difference on our mental and physical well being. It is a book that gives you insight on how you can get healthier, while living in this technological world. I highly recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning new ways to improve their overall mental and physical health! Overall, I give this book a high 4.5 stars out of 5 stars rating! It is an excellent resource!
Thank you to NetGalley. Authors Manoush Zomorodi; Keith Diaz, PhD and Flatiron Books for this digital eARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
This book is expected to be published on May 5, 2026!
April 6, 2026
Favorite book I've read all year so far hands down! This book is so eye opening to the way technology negatively affects our well-being and health. Each chapter is built around real-world examples, which really helped make the info both easy to follow and practical to apply. There are so many little facts and statistics scattered throughout that were so fascinating.
July 19, 2026
EVERYONE should read this book.
I first heard about The Body Electric in an email from 1000 Hours Outside, and within minutes I knew it was a book I needed to pick up. As someone who spent years working in a cubicle and now still finds herself sitting behind a computer for long stretches while running a business, this book hit home in the best possible way.
Was everything in it brand new? No.
Did it completely change the way I think about movement? Absolutely.
Manoush Zomorodi takes a topic we've all heard about, how sitting too much affects our health and makes it incredibly engaging, practical, and, honestly, hard to ignore. She blends science, history, personal stories, and fascinating research into a book that never feels overwhelming or overly technical. Instead, it leaves you thinking, "Why aren't we talking about this more?"
One of my biggest takeaways was that movement doesn't have to mean spending hours in the gym. It's the little things that matter: standing up every 30–45 minutes, taking a short walk around the block, stretching while the kettle boils, gardening, carrying groceries, choosing the stairs, or simply finding more opportunities to move throughout the day.
What really resonated with me was that movement isn't just about our physical health. It's about our brains, our creativity, our mood, our focus, and even the quality of our work. We were designed to move, yet so much of modern life encourages us to stay planted in one place for hours at a time.
I loved this book so much that I'm honestly considering buying my own copy, even though I borrowed this one from the library. That's usually my sign that a book is worth revisiting.
I've already started thinking about how I can build more intentional movement into my everyday routine, not by adding another workout, but by changing the rhythm of my day.
If you spend your days behind a desk, work from home, drive a lot, or find yourself scrolling far more than strolling...this book is for you.
I first heard about The Body Electric in an email from 1000 Hours Outside, and within minutes I knew it was a book I needed to pick up. As someone who spent years working in a cubicle and now still finds herself sitting behind a computer for long stretches while running a business, this book hit home in the best possible way.
Was everything in it brand new? No.
Did it completely change the way I think about movement? Absolutely.
Manoush Zomorodi takes a topic we've all heard about, how sitting too much affects our health and makes it incredibly engaging, practical, and, honestly, hard to ignore. She blends science, history, personal stories, and fascinating research into a book that never feels overwhelming or overly technical. Instead, it leaves you thinking, "Why aren't we talking about this more?"
One of my biggest takeaways was that movement doesn't have to mean spending hours in the gym. It's the little things that matter: standing up every 30–45 minutes, taking a short walk around the block, stretching while the kettle boils, gardening, carrying groceries, choosing the stairs, or simply finding more opportunities to move throughout the day.
What really resonated with me was that movement isn't just about our physical health. It's about our brains, our creativity, our mood, our focus, and even the quality of our work. We were designed to move, yet so much of modern life encourages us to stay planted in one place for hours at a time.
I loved this book so much that I'm honestly considering buying my own copy, even though I borrowed this one from the library. That's usually my sign that a book is worth revisiting.
I've already started thinking about how I can build more intentional movement into my everyday routine, not by adding another workout, but by changing the rhythm of my day.
If you spend your days behind a desk, work from home, drive a lot, or find yourself scrolling far more than strolling...this book is for you.
June 11, 2026
It took me awhile to get through this. Overall an interesting read. She went over a lot of things I already know and I initially wanted to read this book to gain more science backed knowledge about why more movement is better to bring to my training clients. She kinda lost me in parts of the book where she talks about giving up going to the gym to just simply walk throughout her day instead. Which… just isn’t enough for overall health and esp for bone density and joints for women as we age. Nonetheless, i guess she was trying to make a different point for this specific book. 2.5 stars rounded up bc i do think this information is very important to the general public
June 16, 2026
Essentially a user manual for your body, especially if you work in a desk job.
Can recommend to anyone interested in longevity or beating chronic illness! I’m already incorporating a lot of her suggestions, minus the one where you should generally try not sit for more than 25 min at a time 😩
Can recommend to anyone interested in longevity or beating chronic illness! I’m already incorporating a lot of her suggestions, minus the one where you should generally try not sit for more than 25 min at a time 😩
August 29, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book! The author/audiobook narrator is so engaging, not to mention the content of this book is amazing. If you are feeling exhausted, in a rut at work, or just overall in a slump in life, this book has actionable ways to move your body and feel better. I’ve already started to implement a few things and feel the difference.
August 14, 2026
I wish I had read this like 10 years ago. 🙄
April 12, 2026
This was very inspiring, transformative, life-changing. We see how the digital age costs us our physical and mental health, not only just using screens but how sedentary we have become. Using plenty of scientific evidence, Manoush advocates for 5-minute “movement breaks” in between 30 minutes of sitting time. She hosted a “Body Electric” podcast on NPR and listeners participated in this study and reported inspiring outcomes such as improved energy, focus, productivity, internal awareness, weight management, and more. This really convinced me how sedentary I can be on a typical workday, but 5-minute move breaks while I’m working feels very doable. She also realizes that this is easier than it sounds and provides lots of suggestions to work it in. There’s also plenty of advice for how to take care of our kids with screens and movement, and also for older adults to enjoy healthy aging and longevity. I think most importantly, she’s not anti-tech and recognizes that we can’t just go off-the-grid, but finds these opportunities to move as a way to keep us feeling “human”. Very evidence-based but also well-written and a pleasure to read; she even reminds us to take movement breaks while we’re reading the book.
Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2026
This was a refreshing and informative read. We all know screens are bad and sitting at our desks all day is equally as bad. Somehow I had convinced myself that because I’m a runner that negates the time I spend sitting in front of a computer but it doesn’t. This book does a great job at reviewing the data out there for how bad sitting all the time is bad for us and talks about a global experiment they did where they encouraged people to have movement breaks through out the day and report how they felt. Of course, walking/movement breaks are really good for you, not just physically but also for you mind. Have you found yourself feeling low on energy and falling asleep while trying to power through at work? It might actually be our brain telling us it needs a break! I’m excited about implementing this on my daily life. Ideally, breaks needs to be every 30 min for 5 min but even something is better than nothing. Manoush also helps by giving examples of what people tried to get their breaks in and how they felt after they did.
Something I really liked about this book was how good she is at translating science into lay language and is easy to understand.
Let’s get moving!
Something I really liked about this book was how good she is at translating science into lay language and is easy to understand.
Let’s get moving!
April 28, 2026
Doing the Body Electric might be better than listening to a long form exposition on it. But many aspects were interesting. I just felt a little more than sorry for my sedentary self by the end… because it’s really drilled in how we must move to stay healthy and increase longevity. Manoush has such a hypnotic voice. I was happy to see she had work since I long ago listened to her and participated in Bored and Brilliant. I share her fascination with the effect of tech on our health. So I’ll read most anything about it.
October 11, 2026
I’ve always enjoyed Manoush over the years. In fact I’m calling my move breaks “Manoush Minutes” in her honor. Concept was good but like most self-help/non-fiction, it gets a little long and bulky. I feel educated and motivated, however, and the call to move so I can be a happy, active, and sharp senior calls sharply from my future. As I picture my rough year of 47, I realize that movement and wise choices are probably even more important to me to ensure successful senior living. The book helps accomplish that goal.
October 8, 2026
Life-changing. Really well done and persuasive. She does a great job marshaling the evidence and presenting it in a compelling way, with very practical ideas for application. I have changed my habits accordingly and feel significantly better.
Most useful for adults (“information athletes, lol”), but I also really appreciated the chapter on kids.
Very effectively packaged, with end-of-chapter summaries.
Most useful for adults (“information athletes, lol”), but I also really appreciated the chapter on kids.
Very effectively packaged, with end-of-chapter summaries.
July 13, 2026
Good information but about 40% too long, and some inappropriate reliance on anecdotal info that bordered on Culty.
October 1, 2026
Lowkey, this book kind of made me depressed. The whole premise is very simple... and kind of repetitive. The book is based on a study that was done not too long ago (which the author participated in) showing that for every 25 minutes you are sitting, you should be getting up and walking around for 5 minutes or else you're at risk of... everything - fatigue, stiffness, brain fog, sleep disruption, eye strain, anxiety, shallow breathing, metabolic changes, cancer... everything.
Mhmmm... well great... my mood at work has already been on the FLOOR and sitting in a car for ~3 hrs/day on the busiest highway in the world (or paying an arm and a leg for the toll route) is a reality that was never on my bucket list... so listening to this audiobook (while driving and annoyed about it) pushed me over the edge into "I want to quit everything and move to another country" territory. Don't get me wrong, the study is interesting, the science is well presented, and I do believe and agree with the recommendations... but its also VERY discouraging. The author acknowledges that, which I appreciate, often pausing to say "of course for many people this is not realistic..." or "this may seem frustrating to you..." or "your workplace and peers may not support you..." or something else to that effect... but her solution is "be the change you want to see!" Bruh. I've been wanting to buy a mini treadmill for my desk at work but know that I'd immediately get flagged for violating the "clean desk" policy for corporate uniformity. If I worked remotely, I would totally take breaks... but most workplaces are back to mandating 4-5 days in the office with back-to-back meetings. If my commute were shorter, I would walk or bike to work... if the 401 wasn't the WORST highway in the world, maybe I wouldn't be so miserable... if I could get up and walk every 25 minutes then I would, but I can't!!!! Can you tell I'm in a bad mood?
The advice on screen use, sensory resets, and breathing awareness is good and stuff that I am beginning to implement in my life... yes, small changes are good, but now I feel like I'm just doomed in the grand scheme of things. If y'all find out that I've moved to a faraway country and become a farmer... just know that this book was the reason. I don't have much else to say... I'm gonna go for a walk now...
Mhmmm... well great... my mood at work has already been on the FLOOR and sitting in a car for ~3 hrs/day on the busiest highway in the world (or paying an arm and a leg for the toll route) is a reality that was never on my bucket list... so listening to this audiobook (while driving and annoyed about it) pushed me over the edge into "I want to quit everything and move to another country" territory. Don't get me wrong, the study is interesting, the science is well presented, and I do believe and agree with the recommendations... but its also VERY discouraging. The author acknowledges that, which I appreciate, often pausing to say "of course for many people this is not realistic..." or "this may seem frustrating to you..." or "your workplace and peers may not support you..." or something else to that effect... but her solution is "be the change you want to see!" Bruh. I've been wanting to buy a mini treadmill for my desk at work but know that I'd immediately get flagged for violating the "clean desk" policy for corporate uniformity. If I worked remotely, I would totally take breaks... but most workplaces are back to mandating 4-5 days in the office with back-to-back meetings. If my commute were shorter, I would walk or bike to work... if the 401 wasn't the WORST highway in the world, maybe I wouldn't be so miserable... if I could get up and walk every 25 minutes then I would, but I can't!!!! Can you tell I'm in a bad mood?
The advice on screen use, sensory resets, and breathing awareness is good and stuff that I am beginning to implement in my life... yes, small changes are good, but now I feel like I'm just doomed in the grand scheme of things. If y'all find out that I've moved to a faraway country and become a farmer... just know that this book was the reason. I don't have much else to say... I'm gonna go for a walk now...
October 24, 2026
I started this book after watching a podcast where Manoush Zomorodi talked about the study that is the center of this story. All over the world people joined a study where they moved for 5 minutes after sitting for 25 minutes. The results were astounding.
'Sitting is the new smoking' is something we all have heard in some type of way these last decades, but it's not something we actually think about daily. Since reading this book, I can actually feel my body hurting around the 30 minute mark of sitting without any movement in between. Since starting this book I have tried to implement the 5 minute walks around the house, not every 30 minutes but at least every 90. I can confidently say that these small breaks make me feel so much better than before.
Read the book, the study or listen to podcasts about it. Everyone should implement these movement breaks, to feel better but to also live longer and healthier.
'Sitting is the new smoking' is something we all have heard in some type of way these last decades, but it's not something we actually think about daily. Since reading this book, I can actually feel my body hurting around the 30 minute mark of sitting without any movement in between. Since starting this book I have tried to implement the 5 minute walks around the house, not every 30 minutes but at least every 90. I can confidently say that these small breaks make me feel so much better than before.
Read the book, the study or listen to podcasts about it. Everyone should implement these movement breaks, to feel better but to also live longer and healthier.
September 15, 2026
⚡️Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being by Manoush Zomorodi 🎧8 hrs 3 min, 5/5⭐️
⚡️In Body Electric, Manoush presents an eye-opening investigation into the impact technology and sedentary living has had on our bodies and brains, from breath and eyesight to blood pressure, posture, and productivity, and shares what science (and tens of thousands of participants in a groundbreaking study with Columbia University Medical Center) have taught her—it’s the small shifts, not the digital detoxes, that will make us healthier. (nonfiction, published 2026 Flatiron Books)
⚡️This was fascinating! Tangible ways to improve your physical health, all about getting off your screens both personally and professionally. And with amazing motivation to do so! I could see myself re-listening to this at one point to really drive home everything I've learned. Finally, a book that acknowledges we all have different jobs, health concerns and life circumstances and doesn't offer a one size fits all approach, but nuanced ideas. Pick this one up!
⚡️In Body Electric, Manoush presents an eye-opening investigation into the impact technology and sedentary living has had on our bodies and brains, from breath and eyesight to blood pressure, posture, and productivity, and shares what science (and tens of thousands of participants in a groundbreaking study with Columbia University Medical Center) have taught her—it’s the small shifts, not the digital detoxes, that will make us healthier. (nonfiction, published 2026 Flatiron Books)
⚡️This was fascinating! Tangible ways to improve your physical health, all about getting off your screens both personally and professionally. And with amazing motivation to do so! I could see myself re-listening to this at one point to really drive home everything I've learned. Finally, a book that acknowledges we all have different jobs, health concerns and life circumstances and doesn't offer a one size fits all approach, but nuanced ideas. Pick this one up!
May 20, 2026
Listened to the audiobook on my drive and love love loved this. Made me want to throw away my phone and never sit down again 😂 while I already knew some of the information, the author structured this book so well and added in a lot of interesting facts. Scary to hear how our world has changed but it was also empowering and made me want to make changes. They even included an entire chapter on myopia (shoutout Caitlyn!). Highly recommend!
Read
September 1, 2026I feel like I went down the same rabbit holes she did to write this book! From books, people and resources she referenced, I had heard of 70% I think (thanks mostly to diary of a CEO). Learned some helpful things about the importance of movement, not that I needed convincing, but the studies cited and the science behind it was fascinating to learn about. I began implementing some of the walk breaks recommended here and have seen some helpful results!
May 15, 2026
I loved this book and think movement breaks could be life changing—if only I can do them consistently.
June 8, 2026
Great book that is well rounded and breaks down concepts that are easy to understand. Really inspired me to move more!
June 24, 2026
Can't review this right now, need to take a movement break 🚶
September 7, 2026
5 star idea.
3 star book.
This wasn’t in depth enough for me to read such a long book in the world of really wonderful books. YMMV. Seemed a little long for the topic.
3 star book.
This wasn’t in depth enough for me to read such a long book in the world of really wonderful books. YMMV. Seemed a little long for the topic.
June 9, 2026
Torn between a strong 3 weak 4… I think I would have rated it higher (was toying with a 5 early on) but after the initial study that drew me in, it broadened in a way I wasn’t expecting or really desiring. The main takeaway (move for five minutes after every 25 minutes of sedentary life) is very appealing and I do want to try!
July 25, 2026
8 hours a day at a desk staring at a screen is quite literally killing us. I’ve never felt more motivated to get off my butt and move
July 29, 2026
Good stuff but kind of a repetitive read. For me this could have been an article.
August 26, 2026
Good reminders to move your body frequently through the day, get outside and use technology wisely.
November 8, 2026
Got kinda repetitive for a bit there but def learned a lot about the way technology is shaping the human experience.
June 13, 2026
Not to be dramatic but every human should read this book.
November 3, 2026
The gist; this should’ve been an article.
The book started off with an interesting premise but was overly repetitive and relied too much on anecdotal evidence.
The book started off with an interesting premise but was overly repetitive and relied too much on anecdotal evidence.
June 3, 2026
Maybe 3.5? Listened on audio. Okay, I'm gonna start off by saying I standddd by the vast majority of what this book is trying to say. We do not move enough, and it shows in our rising numbers in obesity, chronic illness, mental illness, etc. I genuinely agree with the message of this book and am glad we're moving towards the shift of more movement. However, this was boring. ☹️ I was living for it the first 1/3, and then I kinda started half listening. It wasn't even a poorly written book, I think you just have to LOVE this topic to stay interested. I was kinda ready for it to be over with at just 50%. The constant stats and research talk. Like, we get it. I also struggled with the simplification of several ideas.. which.. may be the point? But there were a few chapters where it was just.. I went to one Pilates class and now, 🫶🏼I've never been tired ever again🫶🏼. Adding 5 minutes EVERY 25 minutes of working feels low key insane. The author definitely did try to say just do what you can, which I greatly appreciated, but she would then throw 65 more recommendations you should be doing daily- take eye breaks, lower your headphones, move, hold your zoom meetings while walking, no phone in bed, etc. etc. etc. It just feels overwhelming. There's a major level of privilege being able to complete a lot of these ideal recommendations, and I don't think that was talked about enough. A lot of these recommendations are because our society is set up that way, which she briefly discusses near the end. I don't live in a walkable city. I don't have a flexible work from home job. I don't live somewhere I can take constant hourly walks outside because of the weather. Do I think we should park further away at the grocery store to get more steps in? YES. Do I think we should turn off the screens and stretch more? YES. Am I convinced I'm fatigued everyday at 2PM because I've sat in front of my screen for 3 hours straight? Sure do. Do I think sleep is outrageously important? Duh. I don't disagree, but I just feel like more of the obstacles should've been mentioned a lot more than they were. The end
Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews