I am going to start by saying I am NOT a fitness expert or hardcore exercise enthusiast. I will not tell you about the latest workouts and how getting to a target heart rate will change your life. It is definitely beyond my area of expertise.
What I will say is that there is a direct correlation between movement and mood. The more we move, the higher the chances that we feel happier, less stress and are more productive. It’s so effective that some therapists prescribe ‘behavioral activation’ (forms of movement are in this category) for treatment of depression and anxiety. In my practice if a client is experiencing depression and/or anxiety movement is always a topic of discussion in the initial intake.
Exercise has physiological benefits as well as psychological ones. Yes cardiovascular workouts such as walking, running, swimming, aerobics, dancing etc are good for your body. They’re also good for the mind. Let me paint a picture: You wake up and the day begins with stress. You’ve got a big meeting you’re preparing for, the kids are getting on your last nerve, you’re behind on household to do’s etc. Pressure is mounting. The body’s response to stress is to release a hormone called cortisol. When that happens the body goes into the ‘flight or fight’ response which is very similar to when we experience anxiety. Now, say we were to jump on a trampoline for 15 minutes or run around the block or walk in the neighborhood or on a treadmill when we feel that. What happens? Well the cortisol and adrenaline that are pumping through the body in response to stress get used up. The mind can go back from ‘flight or fight’ to typical neuro-responses.
Have you ever been having a crummy day and felt like you had no energy then did something physical like a fast walk or workout or run or even a deep cleaning of your home (that can cause me to break into a sweat!) and come back feeling like a million bucks in comparison? The endorphins that are released when we engage in physical movement provides us with another chemical reaction from the brain that leads us to feeling happy. There is something called a ‘runners high’ that athletes experience. I’m no runner but I do short jogs and honestly it took about 4 years of off and on jogging to actually agree that this was true.
One of things that I also find with clients (and myself) is that when we talk about activity and movement the response is always, “Yeah I should do that, I know it’s good for me, but I don’t have the energy to get started.” This is where changing the mindset is the game changer. Rather than thinking about the energy that needs to be used to complete the activity, try to focus on the energy you will feel afterwards. Don’t exercise to punish your body for being ‘lazy’ or gorging on food. Do it because you will feel clearer, stronger, and more energized. Focus on how you’ll feel after. Also start reminding yourself that even 5 minutes is better than 0. Don’t set unrealistic expectations for yourself. A quick walk around the house a few times or around the block is better than not moving at all. The sunshine, fresh air and movement combined can have positive impacts on your health.
I encourage you to move in whatever way makes you feel good. Dancing around the kitchen, going for a walk, doing a deep stretch before or after meditation, running, a circuit workout… whatever. Move your body and reap the benefits. You got this.
Sending love, strength and energy
Jen
Jennifer Nunes 