Welcome back to the 12 Keys to a Healthy Weight. Last week we looked at the relationship between body image and self-care. Today we’ll look at how to adjust your movement activities for optimal health and healing.
Key #6: Find movement activities you love and keep doing them
Physical activity has many benefits for those recovering from an eating disorder. Physically, movement gives you more energy, helps avoid or relieve serious health issues, promotes better sleep, and helps regulate your weight.
Mentally, movement can clear your head and help you think straight. For your emotional well-being, movement releases endorphins – feel-good chemicals that boost your mood and help you have a positive mindset.
Spiritually, movement increases your mind-body connection and can also create a sense of oneness with the universe. Some of your movement activities may take you outdoors where some people find a strong spiritual connection, and practices such as yoga incorporate a spiritual component.
Before making any changes or increasing your level of physical activity, visit your doctor to determine any limitations you may have. Tell him or her that you plan to begin a gentle program of activity that will combine range-of-motion exercises (like stretching), strengthening exercises (like weight training and walking) and aerobic exercises (like dancing and bicycling).
Once you’re physically ready to start moving more, be sure you’re mentally ready as well. This blog post will help you get into an active mindset and keep up with your new routine: https://whitepicketfencecounselingcenter.com/getting-into-an-active-mindset.html
The best activity choices for you are always going to be the ones you love and will keep doing. For some, that might mean combining the activity with something else you enjoy such as dancing to your favorite music, being outdoors, or spending quality time with a good friend who is also interested in being active.
For others it’s about keeping things as simple and accessible as possible, such as making a point of taking the stairs instead of the elevator, and maybe parking farther away from your destination to incorporate more walking.
Here are some affirmations you can use to fuel your motivation for adjusting your routine to include regular physical activity.
I have the power to climb mountains.
My body was made to move.
Next week, we’ll address some of the most common barriers to maintaining a healthy weight.