With the days getting shorter, darker, cooler and…on the cusp of getting very wet in the PNW, you might be finding that you need to adjust (and readjust) your outdoor exercise habits. I know I have already!
These days, Will, my nine year old and I, leave and return in the dark for our daily early morning walk. When the wind is howling and the rain is coming down, it can be so hard to get out the door, but we do. Rain or shine we have a commitment to one another and to ourselves.
We’ve adjusted by wearing waterproof boots, extra layers, carrying flashlights and bringing tea.
And, we walk and talk and walk and talk some more. It’s a ritual I hope we will continue until the end of time and it’s simply the most Joyful Movement I know these days.
It reminds me of the walks and talks I took with my mom and sister all throughout my childhood and we still take to this day when we are together.
Somehow, it feels like you can solve all the world’s problems on a good walk. It turns out, there’s some science at work here…so, read on for more!
āWhen you focus on your health, you awaken your creativity. By creativity I donāt mean painting or drawing, I mean the ability to conceive your life exactly the way you most want it.ā
āĀ Stacey Morgenstern,Ā Ā Founder at Health Coach Institute
Something to Read:
Walking, talking and problem solving. Ahhhh. If anyone is interested in takingĀ Health Coaching Walks and Talks, please let me know! This is something I’d like to have in my Health Coaching Toolbox, so please reach out and we can give it a try!
From Psychology Today, Taking a Walk Will Boost Your Creativity and Problem-Solving
And, as we prepare for the weather, this if from Danielle Friedman at NYT,Ā Donāt Let Rain Cancel Your Workout
Something to Try:
How about trying an “Exercise Snack?!” I’m here to remind you that it all counts!
Even multiple bouts of <1 min of vigorous exercise throughout the day can help to counteract the detrimental effects of a more sedentary lifestyle. Stairs, cycling, jumping jacks, a jog around the block or burpees in the yard!
Exercise Snacks: A Novel Strategy to Improve Cardiometabolic Health
*As always, make sure you have clearance from your provider before engaging in a new fitness routine–especially anything that’s vigorous.*
With that said, how can you incorporate short bursts of movement into your day?
Something to Create:
Here’s an invitation to Create what your version of Joyful Movement looks like for you.
At this moment in time, in this season of life.
Sometimes, we get so attached to way we think we “should” move, “should” workout, “should” look, “should” “should” “should.”
Sometimes we forget that we have the authority and autonomy to decide what exercise means to us in this unique season.
So consider what your days look like and fit in what’s manageable. Even considering it, is progress.
Then, notice what fuels you, what nourishes you. Recognize that this will be different from day to day…you may crave the endorphins of a jog on one day and the next, you may need some calming yoga flows. Later in the week, you may need a dose of motivation and socialization at a group class or the isolation of a solitary walk in the woods.
You decide. You get to decide.
This week, I challenge you to find joyful ways to move your body throughout your days.
You might surprise yourself!
And because brainstorming is fun, here are some other ideas:
Rake the leaves
Play with your pets/kids
Clean the house/the car/the garage
Push a cart through Costco/load the car/unload the car…you know the drill!
Scrub the shower
Vacuum
Have a dance party
Create an obstacle course
Do some deep breaths and stretch out anything that needs it…just indulge
Something to Consider:
I know self-care can feel like a luxury and can be cost prohibitive too, so I’m raffling off THREE Free Health Coaching Packages (4 sessions each) to three lucky winners!
I’m doing this in an effort to:
- Raise the awareness of what health coaching is
- To make health coaching more accessible to individuals who may not be otherwise able to afford it
- To encourage those who are maybe on the fence to take the leap
So, if you’re interested and ready to jump in, please send me an email to let me know!
Your name will be entered into the raffle (the entry window will end on Monday at 4 PM). I will draw the three winners on Monday evening and winners will get all the details about the Health Coaching Journey on Tuesday, October 24th!
All meetings are held over Zoom
First session: 30-45 min , Sessions 2-4: 20-30 min
We can start right away!
