Joy Of Movement Mantra

 

When my father died very suddenly and tragically, exercise became therapy for me. It went from something I did to look a certain way to something I did to feel a certain way. I found lacing up my sneakers and going for a run were the only way I got process my grief. As time has passed, exercise and regular movement have become something I am incredibly passionate and committed to for many reasons:

• Firstly, it clears my head and gets rid of any/most irritability and daily cobwebs or fogginess. 
• I overcome many potential frustrating situations simply by exercising and processing my thoughts. Whether that is a run or a slow walk, an intense weights and interval training session or a calming barre class. I listen to my body and do what I need to do energetically.
• Secondly, because of the first reason, I feel like it makes me a better person (better mother, better wife, better manager, better friend, better daughter, better sister, better leader) as it's a little "me time", makes me feel happy, energetic, more productive, more focused and it helps me to think more clearly.
• Whether I am catching up with a friend for a run or working out on my own, it's an hour of me time which I use to think and very often conceptualise some of my best ideas or brainstorm some of the most creative solutions to challenges I am faced with personally or professionally.
• Thirdly, the rush (of endorphins and serotonin) in my body post-workout makes me feel so happy and energetic- especially if it's the first thing in the morning and if I am doing one of my favourite workouts (like a run with a friend or a dance class). I am sweating and smiling from ear to ear.

My father always said, "the body only does what the mind tells it to" and it's for this reason that I like to push myself out of my comfort zone every so often as I feel my body and my mind are strengthened as a result. I think it is so important to respect your body and I do this by nourishing it with good food and regular exercise. For me, self-respect is one of the most
important practices of life.