Keep Calm in Chaos: Get Moving
/If you’re anything like the rest of this community, you’re feeling all the feels during this pandemic. There’s a LOT going on. Every aspect of our lives has been touched by the COVID19 outbreak, and we’re all trying to hang on to or create a new “normal,” whatever that means!
If your inner world is at all stirred up as much as the outer world, you might notice changes in your mood, appetite, or sleeping habits. And you might even notice a sense of powerlessness and/or frustration as it’s related to your circumstances.
You are not alone.
Until my inner teacher guides otherwise, I’ll post daily tips to Keep Calm in Chaos based on the things I’m actually doing to ensure my own sanity. If at any time you’ve got questions or just want to chat, please reach out to me. I’m still teaching and coaching online, and I’m developing more content every day to support you in cultivating calm, clarity, and confidence.
WHY GET MOVING
You may wonder why movement is suggested for keeping calm. There’s a great deal of science behind this, but let me explain it my way:
Without movement, energy stagnates. You’re a whole being, so whatever is happening in your body is also happening in your mind, and vice versa. If you’re anxious, that stuck energy can feel like you’re about to come out of your skin. If you’re depressed, that stuck energy can feel like dead weight sitting on your chest. From one end of the spectrum to the other, physical activity can help get things going so that you feel just a little more free.
Exercise is the human version of a release valve on a pressure cooker. You’ve got to let the energy go before you explode from the inside out!
HOW TO MOVE
Let’s talk about the “energy spectrum” for a moment. From a low energy state of DEPRESSION to a high energy state of ANXIETY, and everything in between, there are various ways to move that can help. The most important concept is to pay attention to what works and doesn’t work for you. In my case, being able to breathe deeply and stay present is what I work for. Here are the various things I do to get moving:
Set your intention. A simple, “I will feel better when I am finished” will suffice. Nothing fancy is needed, just plant the idea in your mind that this time is meant to help you feel better.
Yoga. Even within the yoga world, there are about 432 variations on this theme. Some practices are more active and vigorous, raising the heart rate and kicking up the sweat factor. Other practices are calming, cooling, and quiet. Sometimes you won’t know what you need until you start moving. Make a start and be willing to shift gears as you notice your needs.
Walking/Running. On some days, I start with a walk and graduate to a run. On other days, it’s all I can do to go for a walk. Be willing to experiment here and adjust your approach as your body talks to you. I don’t walk or run with a mask, but I do take a face cover with me in the event that others are nearby. I go out of my way to maintain 6’ or more distance from others. Please follow CDC guidelines.
Fitness Blender. From free to subscription based, this site has about a zillion workouts you can do from home. Personally, I’ve been leaning a lot on High Intensity Interval Training to get my heart rate up. There are strength, cardio, low impact, challenges, pilates and yoga mixes, and various challenges that can help you get moving. Some of their videos are less than 10 minutes. And they’re effective. Mind you, I don’t get paid to promote these folks. Their stuff is THAT good. Go check it out. I’m working on a 4-week challenge that is kicking my ass right now, and for 30-40 minutes a day, I’m breathing so heavily that my mind can’t focus on anything else. Talk about a great mental health break!
WHERE AND WHEN TO MOVE
This one is easy: wherever and whenever you do it is just fine. Some people’s rhythms prefer morning workouts, others prefer evening. Look, science may have some wisdom for us, but NOTHING replaces HONORING YOUR NATURAL RHYTHM. Do it when it works for you and for what’s happening in your day.
FREE COACHING
If you’re really feeling stuck, I’d love to help you with a free 15-minute coaching session. We’ll meet on Zoom to talk about what’s going on with you, and I’ll help you figure out clear and simple next steps you can take to shift from UGH to AHH. Call me or email me any time. I can't wait to hear from you!