For many the concept of exercise means pounding the pavements, cycling at extreme speeds, HITT or anything else that is high intensity. Nobody is saying that these exercises are not good for you, especially if you enjoy them, but sometimes it is beneficial for your body and mind to slow things down. Mixing your exercise regimes up, is a great way to enhance your whole body and mind.
Studies have shown that slow exercise practice like yoga, Pilates, Barre, mindful movement have amazing benefits that include stronger muscles, improved cardiovascular and greater immune function.
A fast-paced workout allows the mind to drift, a slow controlled practice allows one to focus on the movement and breath. This allows one to consider feelings, thoughts and actions and helps to achieve that goal to live a peaceful life. Our values can be readdressed within a slow, controlled practice.
Everyone should allow for peace and solitude in their lives, but how many of us actually take time for this? How much do we really miss what is going on around us with our family, friends and community by constantly rushing around with no time to absorb? Do you appreciate each day, listen to the birds sing, feel your lungs fully with fresh air or even just appreciate your family and friends for who they truly are? Doing too much, too fast and spreading yourself too thin doing unimportant things, means that you are not allowing time for the things that are important.
Often, we only realise what is important when it is too late or has reached crisis point. This is not a healthy way to live. Constant work life pressures, force situations to arise, and before we know it we are so busy that we haven’t stopped to think about the implications. Most of us would never consciously put ourselves in this scenario, but many have arrived here and do not even realise it. Take a minute, sit down and just consider the above. Are you in this trap?
Running constantly on that hamster wheel of life is not feasible twenty-four seven. Looking after everyone else, ensuring that everything is completed and done for everyone else and neglecting yourself is not a long-term solution to any situation, it can only ever be a short term fix especially for you. What happens when you go under and can’t keep it up as the neglect to yourself reveals itself in one form or another? At that point, everything crumbles and that will intensify the pressures you already have to cope with.
The L’Oréal Paris brand use the phrase ‘because you’re worth it’ and this is so true, you are worth it and you deserve it. See the bigger picture and ensure that within your day you take time for you. Relax, focus on what you have and not what you don’t and appreciate everything good in your life and surroundings. You will benefit and these benefits will also be felt by everyone around you.
Why not try one of our mindful movement classes. We currently offer two lunchtime classes. The first is on Thursday at 1.00 p.m. and the other is Friday at midday. By taking the time at lunchtime, just 45 minutes, you should be able to continue most of your schedule for the rest of day. These classes are a win, win for everyone. Make sure you book today and use these classes to help you observe how you feel about your experiences, both good and bad. Allow the class to help give you the tools to manage stressful situations and to experience overall well-being. The slow movements focus on breath and body awareness and are combined with a mindful mediation practice throughout. What are you waiting for?
