Posted on:Sep 21 2020
When I look back, it’s interesting to note how movement has literally saved me during the toughest stretches of my life. Even though it’s a hardwired habit because I’ve been doing athletic things from the get-go, I nevertheless daily appreciate the miracle of movement. Nothing reminds me that I’m alive, that I still have options, like movement does.
Aside from somersaults and cartwheels, my early learning with movement employed some classics for hours of endless entertainment - jump ropes, hula hoops, roller skates, bikes, a skip ball, unicycle, hippity hop, pogo stick, trampoline, monkey bars, I’m sure I’m forgetting something !
At such a tender age, it was all about the fun factor, I wasn’t considering how every one of these simple toys was teaching me about resilience. You know, you mess up, you fall over or off, you land on the rope, you run into a fence while riding your bike with your eyes closed, you finally run out of gas in the seat war against yourself, whatever...and then, after a bit of rest and contemplation, and maybe a bandaid or two, you get up and start right over again. Because singsong counting accompanied most of these pastimes and boy, I just had to top my CPB (current personal best).
Perhaps now more than ever, with all the wack going on in the world, Resilience - this ability to bounce back after you’ve been knocked down - is essential. And when we set about cultivating our Resilience, it helps to focus on the things you can actually do something about and try not to waste energy on the rest.
So let’s look at some things we can all do something about AND that will help us build a solid, strong, and resilient body and mind. One way or another, they all incorporate or are improved by movement.
1. Strength Train At Home. You can get a great workout without stepping into a gym - all you need is a few feet of space and something heavy, like a kettlebell, or maybe even your big bottle of laundry detergent. Think pushups, goblet squats, step-ups, kettlebell swings - rest a little (or jump rope) between sets. Gradually increase reps or find a heavier kettlebell. Strength train every other day - muscles get stronger on a stress-repair regimen.
2. Go For A Walk. So simple. For more of a challenge, find some hilly terrain or carry a full backpack. Vary your pace.
3. Good Carbs Are Good. You may wonder, low-fat diet or low-carb diet? Turns out, research has shown there’s not much difference between the two. Here’s a mini-case for carbs : eating carbs can help the body stay resistant to illness and injury because your muscles run on glycogen, which your body makes from carbohydrates, and if you become glycogen depleted, you may lower your immunity. Fuel for movement, go with healthy carbs, recipes abound.
4. Look After Your Mental Health. While there’s no magic fix for psychological turmoil, we’re not without helpful choices. Like move every day. I get it if you don’t want to get out of bed, but nudge yourself to do something, break the stalemate with yourself - call a friend who will encourage you to get out of bed! Try to accomplish something creative, or walk around the block, or set a timer and clean for 10 minutes. It’ll change your mood because, as Gordon would say, “Feelings follow behavior.” Our lives have taught us that certain behaviors bring us pleasure and satisfaction; get clear on these behaviors, make a Break-the-Stalemate List, tape it to your fridge. And yes, if you need help, please ask for it.
5. Stay Connected. IRL is best but use tech to help when that’s not possible. And try not to multi-task when you’re talking with someone - be present, it’ll feel way better. Who hasn’t surfed the web while on the phone and then felt discontented afterward? If you’re going to multi-task, walk and talk. 😊
6. Nail The Basics : Move your body regularly; avoid processed foods and eat lots of plants; maintain a healthy body weight; don’t smoke; keep it to one alcoholic drink a day; stay engaged and connected with your community.
7. Don’t Skimp On Sleep. There’s tons of research, including how sleep impacts longevity and positivity. Don’t skimp on sleep.
Keep in mind that, like a lot of things, cultivating Resilience can be a shared venture, as were these recent experiences...
A few weeks ago, my friend C did a century ride because, well, because she wanted to! Awesome! She picked a couple spots to converge with friends and refuel, her husband rode part of the route with her, and lucky me pedaled to meet her for the home stretch. After a hoot n’ holler (me) rendezvous, C set the pace for the final 15. I’d offer up the occasional “You got this, girl” or “Looking strong, girl,” a great blue heron flew over, a bear ran across the road in front of us, and at the end, C probably could’ve powered another 50 miles on her beaming smile alone. To celebrate, we hit the best barbecue in our state just down the road. While ordering at the bar, I couldn’t help but chat up C’s epic accomplishment and (this part gets me every time) in one of those NWN poetic gestures, our waitress grabbed an on-the-house hard cider and placed it front of C. Boom.
Another time, I was looking at the choice between reading on the front porch swing or movement. I wanted to move. And I didn’t want to be alone. After a bit of silly hem and hawing, I broke my stalemate, yay, and texted K to ride bikes over to the nearby park to toss around a frisbee. Woohoo, she was game - like C, she’s super athletic, and as the day faded in a glorious sunset, we threw and chased that disc all around the park (ha, truly) and, I can’t speak for K, but it was just what my soul needed. Playful movement. Lighthearted connection.
Look at your life...find some athletic ways to engage your long-haul durability.
Yeah, it can be a solo venture, but it’s a really fun team sport too!
