Be Playful, Break the Rules, and Just Move
We often hear from busy caregivers that finding time to exercise is often the biggest challenge. For me, it’s about prioritizing movement. When we have so many other priorities, it can be hard to fit movement into our day if we think of it as separate from everything else and one more thing that we “have to” do.
That’s why, as we explore this week’s topic of move your body, I want to share two articles from our friends at the American Institute of Stress that are great resources for busy caregivers.
First, here’s Too Busy to Exercise? Become Playful in the Pursuit of Movement. The article gives some tips for those who have trouble fitting regular workouts into their already crammed schedules:
“Weave movement practices into your busy day. … Expand your thinking about movement beyond just traditional exercise, so that you no longer view taking care of yourself as another item to check off on your already overflowing to-do list. … Once you break free from a ‘rule mindset’ when it comes to movement, you will expend much less effort trying to fit exercise into a hectic schedule. … Explore what motivates and excites you, and keeps you engaged! … You can think of it as choosing to move from a place of joy with freedom to explore and play.”
The second article, Movement Is Salvation, is especially relevant for anyone who has faced chronic pain, but it also has some great advice for everyone:
“The best advice given came from a rehab physiologist who made the simple statement, ‘Movement will be your salvation.’ It was a life lesson moment! They went on to describe how movement, increasing our metabolism, preserving our flexibility, stretching muscles, pumping oxygen, and improving posture is good for our physical and mental health. If we make intentional movement a part of our life, it will preserve our life. …
“The other related life lesson came from my clinical supervisor many years ago. He was talking about physical recovery as much as he was talking about counseling recovery using a favorite phrase, ‘You have to face the pain if you want to get better.’ ”
When I read that, I felt they were talking directly to me.
In case you need even more help to get moving, try these:
Make it micro. Set a goal and start with micro-goals and micro-movement.
Take the stairs. And, when parking, don't park closest to the door.
Make it fun. Even chores can be fun with music, dancing, or a friend.
Stand when you can. At work, consider a standing desk. Or make your next meeting a walking meeting. With friends, consider a walk and talk to catch up.
You don’t need a fancy gym. For example, you can use whatever you have around the house for weights – cans, water bottles, etc.
For even MORE ideas, here’s our updated MOVE WITH COURAGE Micro-Challenge Calendar for August. Remember, it’s okay to start small. Just find something YOU enjoy, and get moving!