Movement offers us pleasure, identity, belonging and hope. It puts us in places that are good for us, whether that’s outdoors in nature, in an environment that challenges us, or with a supportive community. It allows us to redefine ourselves and reimagine what is possible.
Kelly McGonigal
The Joy of Moving: The benefits of exercise
Wendy Suzuki, a professor of neural science, said in her TedTalk that exercise is the most transformative thing that you can do for your brain for three reasons:
- Straight away it has an effect on the brain. A single workout will immediately increase your mood and improve your focus.
- Neuro-science studies, looking at the effects of long-term exercise, confirm that your attention improves.
- You get long-lasting increases in good mood neurotransmitters.
Most people’s excuse for not exercising is time constraints. A valid point in this busy world.
But ask yourself the question:
- What do you always have time for?
- What do you never have time for?
Even 10 minutes a day can benefit your overall mental and physical well-being.
Exercise for me is what Adam Grant calls, an essential scaffolding. It keeps me sane, tames the “black dog of depression” and helps me with better sleep and concentration.
I have noticed that the majority of people set impossible goals for themselves with exercise and diet. They set themselves up for failure.
Adopting a philosophy to change my identity to a sportier person helps with motivation and makes exercise more sustainable. My son finds it funny that a late 50’s woman sees herself as an athlete, but it works.
My mindset is: what does an athlete eat, when does she exercise, how much exercise, and running goals. Yes, I am no athlete, but even though my body knows that, my mind believes in the process.
Exercise has changed the way I see the world. More importantly – it has changed the way I see myself.
Here is a short guided Zen Meditation
