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Sometimes the best way to create something we’d like to experience in our lifetime is to give it to someone else. The simple act of giving involves an open opportunity to receive. How can this factor into exercise?
As we juggle our own full lives, we can easily lose track of the fact that everyone around us is in the same boat. We are all working, parenting, supporting friends and family, volunteering, studying, standing for our communities and beliefs; the list goes on. A full life is satisfying, yet sometimes important things can fall by the wayside. That missing piece may just be a regular movement practice.
Finding the time, space, and/or energy to create this healthy habit can seem like a huge mountain to climb. Maybe you feel like there is no free time, or your passions and interests draw you to do other things in those moments. Guess what? You can have it all!
How does this work? Start to integrate movement into these other facets of your life. Maybe there’s a friend at work who also can’t find the time and space—offer a moving lunch break to help motivate each other to create space. Next time you visit that new mom and her newborn, ask her if a walk in the fresh air would feel good. As stress that we all experience in our lives begins to build, ask a classmate, neighbor, or relative in need if they’d like to join you at a yoga class. Get the idea? Give the gift of movement to someone in need; they’ll thank you for it, and you’ll get the opportunity to begin building the active life you are craving.
- Notice. Recognize the people in your life who are expressing the need for more movement, better health, or lower stress levels.
- Make a plan. Approach those who you like to spend time with, who have a similar schedule or similar goals, and invite them to join you in exercise.
- Say yes. Even if it’s just a walk to the corner, even if your first instinct is “I’m too busy”—just say yes to any invitation to move.
