Many of us struggle to find the time – and motivation – to add more movement to our lives.  We may spend a big part of our day sitting, and this can impact our moods and energy levels.  Do you want to discover the benefits of moving your body? 

If you tend to be sedentary, or even if you’re just looking to spice up the movement you’ve been doing, there are ways to add movement that are fun, social and healthful.

First – Rediscover the Pleasure

You may have forgotten, as many of us have over the years, but your body is meant to move.  Generally, we feel better when we find ways to move our bodies every day – walking, lifting, carrying and/or stretching. 

I am not referring to an exercise “binge,” when you start a vigorous exercise program in an all-out effort to “get in shape.”  You may have embarked on one of these binges yourself in the past – only to feel discomfort, out-of-breath and diminished energy.  Perhaps this was back in your ‘diet days’ when you were eating too little to sustain the extra activity.  Or, maybe you tried to do too much, too quickly.  If this is the case with you, it is time to try something different and reconnect with the joy of movement. 

When you have a few minutes to yourself, try this simple exercise.

After you’ve tried that a few times, move onto the next step.

Find Ways to Add Pleasurable Movement to Your Day

Many individuals find the previous exercise reconnects them to their body and most say that they feel more energy and more peace when they are ‘embodied.’  If this is true for you, you may want to find ways to add some movement to your daily routine.  What would help you feel alive? 

You might want to remember what was fun when you were a kid or try a couple of my ideas:

•  Yoga
•  Dance
•  Hula hoop
•  Walking with a friend
•  Playing catch with a your kids (or grandkids or neighbor kids)
•  Taking a bike ride to a local destination

I hope you find ways to experience the joy of movement this week.  Let go of your preconceived ideas and try something wild!  And be sure to come back and let me know what made you feel alive.

Sara Armstrong is the owner of Zoi Wellness Consulting. In addition to wellness coaching, Sara specializes in health education seminars, diabetes prevention and management, Health for EVERY Body, and worksite wellness design. You can email Sara for a free wellness consultation at sara@zoiconsulting.com.