It’s around this time in March that I begin to feel foggy in
the brain. It’s as if everything is stalled and moving at a lethargic pace.
It’s still too cold to take a walk and the days are still short enough to pass
for winter darkness. I find if I don’t start moving I lose focus; all tasks get
put on hold. If I wasn’t forced to go to an office for employment I might be
tempted to stay put in my cabin; which could mean days on end without
ever
going outside.
Yes, I’ve faced the fact more than once that I cannot
accomplish anything in that state of mind and need to “get out”. Although my Fitbit
reminds me to get up and move every 10 minutes before the hour ends, I have to
physically and mentally motivate myself to “go” somewhere. On such days, the
preparation to make a trip to the supermarket or the act of mailing a letter
can seem like climbing Mount Everest. Yet, I know that once I get myself in
gear and the door closes behind me that my focus will change to the world
around me and distract me from the confines of my hibernated state.
When oxygen starts pumping the heart and the brain; muscles
move and energy is produced; the five senses heightened. It’s as if I have come back to life! Clarity
surfaces! We all know that it’s not good to sit for long periods of time and
certainly not for days and weeks on end. Movement is a core element of health;
the more sedentary you are, the quicker the aging process. This is the primary
reason why fitness trackers are experiencing such popularity. Those little gadgets
are trying to empower and inspire you to live a healthier, more active life.
You have to keep moving at intervals; we are born with two feet. Use them!
It has long been known that physical health and mental
health are inherently interconnected. As a result we see how movement not only
gets us out of the house, but it can reduce anxiety and depression and improve
your mood, boost your self-esteem, minimize stress and get you thinking
clearly! Not to mention better circulation, stronger bones, deep breathing
respiratory and improved metabolism! So you can see how Life=Movement. Movement=Life. A simple equation really; but, it
seems, one that is not easily incorporated, especially during the long bleak
months of winter.
Movement is essential for a healthy Life. So to escape your
muddled state and become more intentional about moving, here are a few
suggestions:
1) Window shop at the mall and then take a few
extra loops around the perimeter (Leave your wallet in the car if you get
tempted to spend).
2) Put on some favorite music and dance; you can
incorporate this with cleaning the house.
3) Take a yoga or resistance band class with a
friend; you’ll also get the benefits of
socialization and learning a new skill.
Try to make movement a priority.
Soon it will be Spring and
we’ll be out and about!
Until then:
Carpe Diem!!
