Find What Moves You
“Moving your body is a form of self care. It’s not selfish. It’s essential.”
~Natalie Garay
Do you ever have those days where you just feel blah? Like nothing can get you motivated to get your butt up, move your body, and be productive? You are not alone - we ALL have those days...but why?
Just when it feels like everything is going right, we seem to self-destruct and fall back into our same old habits. This can be due to a number of things, including but not limited to:
- Lack of sleep
- Stress at work
- Stress at home
- Negative relationships that don't support you or your goals
- Choosing foods that do not support your physical and mental health (aka processed, junk foods)
- Hectic schedule
- Staying on top of kid duties
- Feeling disconnected spiritually
- Lack of movement/physical activity
Today, I want to discuss how we can take action to get out of this funk, specifically one very important component that everyone can benefit from...
MOVING YOUR BODY!
Yes, EVERYONE can benefit from a little physical activity! Now before you go sprinting to the gym, know that movement does not mean you have to kill yourself for 1 hour per day lifting weights and running on the treadmill. Finding what moves you and keeps you feeling your best is completely individualized! Here are just some of the many types of activity that you can start incorporating (one day at a time) into your routine:
- Resistance/strength training
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Power walking
- Regular walking (even if it's freezing outside, head to the mall or a department store and do some laps)!
- Riding bike
- Elliptical
- Treadmill
- Rock Climbing
- Surfing (I would love to try this)!
- Cross country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Hiking
- Skiing
- Stretching
- Trail running
Being physically active is not just beneficial for your physical health, it is incredibly important for your mental and emotional health as well! Just 20 to 30 minutes of physical movement can boost your mood for the entire day! Isn't that amazing?
Emotional/physical health benefits include:
- Improved quality of sleep
- Reduction in stress
- Improved mood
- Better digestion
- Decreases joint/muscle pain
- Improves cognitive function/focus
- Decreases inflammation
- Improves flexibility and mobility
- Reduces risk of depression and anxiety
DANG! I would say getting your butt moving and staying active is definitely worth it!
“The less we move, the less we are capable of moving.”
~Pete Egoscue
So maybe you have been having a rough day, heck, maybe a rough week! Think back and reflect on your weeks so far. Have you been moving your body enough? If so, are you doing movement you enjoy and can carry with you for life, because that is the goal!
Yes, I want you to push yourself and be your strongest, most physically thriving self. BUT, I also want you to incorporate physical activity you look forward to! For me, I LOVE going for daily walks/hikes outside with my dog. I also really enjoy working up a sweat lifting weights and doing interval training. Everyone is different - find what moves you!
“You are only one workout away from a good mood!”
So go ahead an do something you enjoy this week! Grab some friends and go for a hike. Take that rock climbing class you have always wanted to! Whatever it may be, do it with enthusiasm and excitement. Treat your body with kindness, and show it some love by getting active. And don't forget thank your amazing body for all it's capable of!
Speaking of sharing the love, this week I am offering my Total Transformation Program at 15% OFF until Sunday! Schedule your Free Consult to see if we would be a good fit and to chat with me about your most pressing health and fitness goals!
BONUS! If you refer a friend for a Free Consult, your first month of coaching will be FREE! My programs work - I have built them with you, the client, in mind! I practice what I preach, and that is why I am so excited to share this incredibly effective program with you!
Reference: The Institute for Integrative Nutrition