How much do you move in a day?

Getting out on my bike during a recovery period

I AM EMPHASIZING MOVEMENT as opposed to exercise because moving your body includes everything you do in a day, not just scheduling 30 minutes in your day to exercise.

Having a daily level of mobility is something easily taken for granted. When you are healthy and feeling good, you don’t think about all the steps taken in a day and the exercise you might do at the gym or outside.

WHAT’S YOUR MOBILITY LEVEL?

The WHO (world health organization) has just updated its physical activity guidelines for the first time in 10 years. What excites me about this update is that they are including all populations of people from infants to those over the age of 65 and anyone living with a chronic illness and/or disability. Regardless, of what your challenges are physically, the message is clear: moving at all throughout the day, whether it’s cleaning your house, going for a walk, or joining a movement class, is beneficial for your health.

An article in Runner’s World says, “Move more, every day. If you already get the recommended amount, keep going—the new report now includes a suggestion to exceed the minimum, even for those over age 65 and/or with chronic conditions.

These new guidelines are inspiring to read because research is affirming the need to get up out of the chair and move more however, I totally get it when your body is going through a healing recovery either from an accident or an illness and you really notice how your ability to carry on as you normally would in your daily life is restricted.

HOW MUCH TO MOVE DURING A RECOVERY PERIOD?

When you are in a recovery phase or a long-term healing situation, this is exactly when moving your body becomes so important. Movement keeps the energy flowing throughout your body. It’s why you feel so good after doing some exercise or a contemplative meditative movement such as Qigong. You are breathing more consciously allowing for your breath to fill up your lungs and abdomen. The breath is also helping to relax and massage your internal organs.

Movement keeps the blood flowing and your muscles limber. The slow movements and deep breathing focus of Qigong make you feel good and reduce feelings of anxiety and/or depression which increases the quality of your daily life. Improving your body’s ability to move and your mental health is backed by research.

Even with knowing all of this, it can be incredibly hard to keep moving when you’re challenged with limitations by an accident, an illness, or recovering from an intervention such as surgery.

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU’RE STRUGGLING

I must admit that I’ve been struggling with my own ability to keep moving my body these past six months as I’ve continually had various challenges that have shown up for me making it very hard to keep moving let alone do more active exercise.

What do I do in these situations?

The first thing I have to do is deal with what’s going on inside my head. How am I talking to myself? Take care of your body, take care of your mind.

Keeping your mental health in an open and accepting mindset is so important. It’s not helpful to get down on yourself when you can’t do the kind of movement and exercise that brings you joy. If you are someone who loves their morning walks and can’t get outside for a proper walk, it can be very frustrating.

These are the times when it’s so important to keep loving your body regardless of what challenges it’s facing.

Loving your body in tough times takes acceptance of how it is right now and a lot of self-compassion to be kind to your body with self-talk that is gentle, positive, and understanding.

Louise Hay is well-known for her affirmations. I like coming back to them, especially when I’m having a hard time feeling acceptance, self-compassion, and gratitude for all the healing my body is doing. Here’s one of her affirmations to read and say out loud to yourself when you’re in need of a little reminder. And we all need reminders from time to time. That’s normal.

QI GONG IS A GREAT pRACTICE TO MOVE YOUR BODY

Qi gong is a wonderful movement meditation when your energy is low or your body is experiencing less mobility than you’re used to. For example, Gathering & Collecting the Qi energy movement can be done sitting and provides a perfect opportunity to breathe deeply in your whole torso while also gently opening up your side ribcage area. Doing this movement creates feelings of peacefulness and calm within the body and mind. Take a minute and give it a try. Watch this video.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER

In conclusion, what’s important is that you talk to yourself with kindness and gratitude and then notice your choices for your exercise and movement. A little tip is to grab a friend and do something together. Having social support adds an extra boost of fun and meaningful connection to whatever you’re doing. Now go enjoy yourself!

Want more inspiration? Sign up for my newsletter, Bpositive - Lifestyle tips that bring greater ease, peace, and health into your life. It’s worth it!
Check out my new book. Available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.