Movement
Movement
As I was on a walk this morning I was reflecting about the beauty of movement. For me personally I know that movement improves my mental health and helps my body feel strong. Movement helps me have a healthy place to channel my competitiveness. Recently movement I have been enjoying is training for races to run, weight lifting, walking, bike rides and beginning to play tennis again after 10+ years. I told my husband the other night that tennis invigorates me! Hitting a tennis ball after a day filled with tantrums and supporting my children through problem solving has never felt so freeing. LOL
Movement and exercise can also be used as an unhealthy outlet. What I want to focus on is the mental health benefits of movement. Let me first start by saying the language in which we use for ourselves, our children and others I believe is so important. Shifting language from exercise to movement has been helpful for me in reframing the purpose and benefits of moving my body. Prior to children and postpartum journeys, I classified exercise based on the amount of time spent exercising to “count” as a work out and how often and vigorously that exercise was done. Exploring automatic assumptions about exercise that you hold personally can help you better understand what you actually like and your body needs to nourish it. Instead of focusing on fitness, culture tells us we “should” do or “should not do.”
From a mental health perspective we want to find movement you enjoy, and that feels good for your body. Things that can be helpful to think about:
What movement do I truly enjoy? (stretching, zumba, water aerobics, chasing my kids, running) All of these are movements.
When during my day is realistic for me to achieve movement.
Showing up. It does not matter how long or how short. Showing up is probably one of the biggest mental health impacts of movement. Think about it, you choose to set time aside for you for your body and oftentimes we will see that positively impact your mood and thoughts.
Listening to your body. Rest when you need to rest. This is a skill that has been lost in our go go culture. (Guilty) However is just as important to know when you need a break or your body needs a rest day.
Cheers to finding movement that fuels your body and mind towards wellness! I hope you find movement that fuels you.
Maureen