Let’s Reframe Exercise for Good
If you are looking for it, you know: good things really are happening in the world of body image and self-care!
There are many reasons to feel really encouraged about where we are heading when it comes to body image and defining how we care for our bodies.
As a society in general, we are starting to do better about seeing exercise as a way to be healthy in mind, body, and spirit, and less as a way to ‘be skinny.’
We are moving away from the idea that any specific body type is the correct body type. We are embracing every shape and size as beautiful. And this is all positive. We want more of this, yes, please!
But one thing we want to be sure we don’t do? Let’s not forget something so, so important:
Movement is still therapeutic.
I’m sure you’ve heard: no one ever comes away from a workout saying, “I wish I didn’t do that workout.”
And that is because when we move our bodies, our minds and spirits benefit as much as, if not more than, our bodies.
While results are not guaranteed, some of the benefits of a good workout include:
- Clearing your head. Maybe you were overwhelmed with a school project or an issue with a friend. Just getting away from that project or issue and moving is often enough to give you a new and fresh perspective, or at least the chance to just set it aside for a bit.
- Working through something that’s been keeping you stuck. Many speak of the ‘ah-ha’ moments that happen during workouts. It might be getting clarity on a relationship issue that’s been weighing you down. Maybe you suddenly realize the direction you want to go with a paper that’s been overwhelming you. Often a workout is a quick fix for being struck by a solution without even trying!
- Boosting your mood. There’s just something about movement that lifts us up!
- Lowering stress levels. Exercise can release endorphins and serotonin, both considered ‘happy’ hormones.
- And much much more.
They often say “it’s the start that stops a lot of people.” Meaning: sometimes it’s hard to just shift gears and get started with your workout.
We’d like to encourage you to consider thinking of exercise less as something you need to check off your list, and more as a way to simply feel better.
So if you don’t already have an exercise habit, the next time you think you “should” work out, maybe instead treat it as an experiment.
So the next time you’re thinking “I have to go work out,” even while you’re arguing with yourself because you really aren’t feeling like it at all…
Maybe instead tell yourself, “I’ll go and get started and if I am still not feeling it after ten minutes, I give myself permission to be done, zero guilt, and walk away.”
And mean it when you tell yourself that! No guilt, no pressure, only the pursuit of feeling good.
Because there are enough stressors in our daily lives, let’s do everything we can to make sure moving our bodies isn’t one of them!
What are your thoughts on this? Does this make sense to you or is it too hard to wrap your brain around? We’d love to hear how this hits for you and any questions or comments you’d care to share!
And just a reminder: we would love to see you (or your teen) at a workshop! Please click here to share your email with us so we can be sure you know when the next one is happening!