“YOUR ENERGY IS YOUR SOURCE FOR THE FUTURE.”
It is time to start doing desired activities, rather than always resigning yourself to obligatory activities. Whether you want to enjoy your morning run or choose to sleep later, do more of the activities you desire. This may be challenging because it is ingrained in humans to do what we’ve been told. However, I encourage you to embrace this change. Our time is ours to use as we see fit. However, we are still responsible for maintaining a healthy body. When people say that exercise affects our mental health and state, they are not lying.
Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider before starting a new exercise routine and with questions about a medical condition.
Regular exercise has a profound physical and emotional impact. Getting out of bed and stimulating adrenaline leads to greater strength and confidence on both physical and mental planes. Consider the overall wellness as a triangle: Physical. Mental. Spiritual. All three require exercise and stimulation to stay healthy, and all three should be prioritized with the end goal of finding *cue drumroll* The Joy of Balance. And good news–physical activity benefits more than just your body, because exercising produces endorphins. The Mayo Clinic affirms that endorphins are the brain’s feel-good neurotransmitters that soothe pain and boost your sense of happiness (“Exercise and Stress”). In addition to producing endorphins, exercise can provide relief by limiting the effects of stress, such as the flight or fight response. Medical studies further report that a workout strengthens our cardiovascular, digestive, and immune systems.
Exercise also has a contemplative value. Hiking, swimming and running can clear your mind of negative thoughts. Focus on the motion of your body. Feel how each body part moves, how the air feels against your skin, and the sound of your breath. Be in the moment completely. There is no time better than now to start (or resume) an exercise routine that works for you. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:
WALKING
Resolve to take a turn around your neighborhood every day. Walking helped me center myself, and I have met many wonderful neighbors along the way. It is not as strenuous and tiring as running, but it still gets those endorphins pumping and creates a sense of connection in the moment. Focus on the world around you, whether you are walking outdoors or inside. Consider organizing a small group or walking with a partner. You’ll be amazed at some of the quietly profound discussions you can have while out for a stroll among bright autumn leaves.
HIKING
A hike is just a walk we take through nature, so why not find a beautiful, safe location and hit the trail? The repetitive, rhythmic motion of placing one foot after the other can help us identify as part of the natural world. This can be achieved with a calm nature hike or a more challenging mountain hike.
Take the time to be mindful of your surroundings. Breathe in the fresh air. Feel the sun on your skin. Notice the leaves on the trees moving in the breeze. Listen to the calls of nature. Everything that ebbs and flows from within will match the growth and seasonal change of what we observe.
WEIGHTLIFTING
If hiking or walking is not your thing, you might enjoy the focused repetition of lifting weights. In weight training, we count and balance sets of movements and work on each muscle. There is a meditative beauty to this level of care. If you’ve never lifted weights before, try working with a trainer or find a video for beginners online. Start with lower weights and fewer reps to ensure that you find the right regimen for yourself.
YOGA
Yoga develops the core strength necessary to engage in long meditation sessions, and core-building is appealing whether or not it is used for meditative poses. This type of exercise aid with balance and posture. It’s also a great time to spend in quiet prayer. The sky’s the limit with exercise. We can all find something appealing in it. Keep looking and keep trying. The physical and emotional benefits are worth the effort.
