Moving the body is just as important as moving the mind. When we were kids, we loved it. It was play, and we had excess energy to burn, so it made a whole lot of sense. As adults, it can feel very different when responsibilities and jobs and mortgages get in the way.
This is not ok, because the benefits of exercise are enormous. Exercise is a great break for your mind. Stepping away from all the cognitive "heavy lifting" that you do on your device makes you more productive when you return. Exercise helps relieve stress. Exercise gives us more body confidence and body positivity. Exercise can lift the mood and regulate emotion. Exercise is simply a part of a healthy lifestyle. And, the good news is that it all counts. Steps, washing the car, cleaning the house, raking leaves, dog walking, aqua aerobics, Walk 15, etc. It also adds up. Every ten minute burst is a boost in the right direction, so that by the end of the day you can add it all up and feel a sense of accomplishment.
Why not make exercise feel like recess? Why not call it recess? When I teach yoga, I often tell my students that their yoga practice IS recess. It's our fun time to be in our "play clothes" and move around in a group of like minded people. It even sounds like recess. If you can make it fun, you can look forward to it. Then, you are much more likely to keep it up.
We are life long learners, and we can also be life long exercisers. Define what that means for you, and commit to it. Commit to yourself. Make time for recess, and when the bell rings, you go have fun.
No comments:
Post a Comment