Move to Thrive, Nurturing Your Body With Exercise

Why do we feel guilty when we finally take care of ourselves? When taking care of ourselves we become a better version of ourselves. So why don't we do it more often? I have a theory! For some reason, we feel like everyone and everything around us needs to be taken care of first, and say "I will be ok, as long as you are ok!" When doing this we stretch ourselves so thin, that there is nothing left for us to fill our cup with. 

I am currently on a self-care journey, exploring how I can be a better person for myself and the ones I love. I am tired of feeling like I have given everything I possibly can, and feeling drained and not enough.

 

While on my self-care journey, I am using Maslow's Hierarchy of needs as a guide. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological theory that states the lowest level of the Hierarchy, which is the physiological needs of a person must be met before higher needs can be met. I am currently focusing on my physiological needs. 

Physiological needs:

• Regular Exercise
• Sufficient Sleep
• Nourishing Meals
• Work-Life Balance

We are going to be exploring the benefits of physical activity and how we can incorporate it into our busy schedules.

 Why is physical activity important?

Exercise is not just about sculpting a toned body 

Benefits of Regular Exercise for Self-Care	How to Incorporate Regular Exercise
•    Promotes physical well-being     •    Boosts mental and emotional health     •    Strengthens cardiovascular system     •    Enhances immune system     •    Reduces stress levels	•    Schedule dedicated workout time     •    Engage in activities we enjoy     •    Find a workout buddy or fitness community     •    Mix up the types of exercises     •    Start with achievable goals

Exercise is an important part of self-care that will nurture the body, mind, and spirit. 

Physical Health:

Exercising strengthens muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances overall physical fitness. Exercise can reduce the risk of chronic disease including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. 

Emotional Well-Being:

Exercise does not only benefit the body, it also benefits our minds. Physical activity makes the body release endorphins, a chemical in the body that makes you "feel good". Regular exercise promotes a positive outlook on life.

Brain Health:

Regular exercise not only benefits your physical health but also has a positive impact on your brain's cognitive function. Exercise can boost your memory and protect against cognitive decline.

Tips for getting more movement in your day

Find Activities You Enjoy: 

Exercise can bring you joy and fulfillment, try different physical activities, such as walking, running, cycling, dancing, yoga, or swimming, to find something enjoyable. Choosing activities you enjoy will make it feel like you are not exercising. 

Make Movement a Habit: 

It's important to maintain consistency to get the most out of exercise. You should carve out specific time for physical activity every day, it can be a morning walk, a lunchtime workout, or an evening yoga session. Make exercise a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth.

Incorporate Movement into Your Day: 

If you're not able to dedicate 30 minutes a day to exercise, find opportunities to sneak in a bit of extra movement. Instead of the elevator, take the stairs, if you're able to walk or bike to work, or while at your desk get up and walk around for 5 minutes hourly. With extra movement, you will experience a lot of the health benefits. 

Listen to Your Body: 

Listen to your body and honor its limits. Start with light exercise and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercises as your fitness level improves so will your endurance. Pay attention to how different exercises make your body feel and adjust them accordingly. Remember, resting and recovering from your workouts is just as important as the workout you do. Listening to your body is self-care.

Taking care of ourselves should be a top priority. 

When we focus on our physiological needs like getting sufficient sleep, eating nourishing foods, keeping a healthy work-life balance, and being physically active, we can improve our overall well-being. 

There are some pretty amazing benefits of adding regular physical activity to our daily routine. By moving more our bodies will be more fit, moods improved, a stronger heart and immune system, and reduced stress. 

Always listen to your body and make sure you don't push yourself too hard. Moving more every day will be caring for yourself, when you care for yourself, you become a better you. 

So, lace up your sneakers, dance to the rhythm of your heart, and let movement be your medicine for a well-lived life.