We have entered a new month where flowers are blooming, leaves are budding, and songbirds are singing. While we witness this transition from winter to spring, now is a good time to ensure we have what we need to sustain us in this new season. Sis, water you!
Our physical bodies will be the first focus during this month, and the watering we are covering goes beyond hydration, although that plays a major role in our physical health as well. By now we are fully aware that taking holistic care of ourselves involves our total being: body, spirit, and soul. Excluding one from the others leaves an unbalance where we find ourselves lacking or unfulfilled in our day to day dealings. Well-being entails a person's physical, spiritual, mental, emotional, and social health. It is linked to living in joy, happiness, contentment and satisfaction. How do you feel about yourself at this moment? What about your life?
If you're unsure where you stand at the moment, by the end of this series you'll have the tools you need to get on the correct path. Today we are beginning with physical movement. Movement strengthens muscles, which improves stability, balance, and coordination. Moderate exercise, at least a daily 30-minute walk, regulates hormonal activity, detoxifies bodily systems and organs, and oxygenates the body. The mental and emotional benefits of movement are:
releases endorphins and help relieve stress
breaks the monotony of everyday challenges and responsibilities
helps emotions move through the body
provides an outlet for self expression
promotes brain plasticity
If you are tight on finding the time to fit movement into your daily routine, note that a 10-minute walk for three days lowers blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol. As you begin creating a pattern, finding time to get a brisk walk in throughout the day becomes less of a burden. The key is to begin somewhere. Once you see your physical health improving you will become motivated to add more time on and increase the intensity of your routine.
This weeks challenge: create and implement a 15-30 minute movement routine in order to establish a practice for your physical health. And yes, dancing counts!
