Find your happy place in movement

When I was younger, there felt like such a focus on extreme achievements. Ultra marathons, ice swimming, PBs, mountain climbing. It was when I let go of medals, achievements and bragging rights that movement became enjoyable for me both physically and mentally. I found that I find running in the forest far more enjoyable, even though I will never get a PB in that terrain. Find your why, and roll with that.

Consistency

I find that whatever it is, I need to do it consistently in order to feel great. I can be quite regimented in my activities – Monday morning is for swimming, Tuesday is for yoga and coffee with friends, Wednesday is for teaching, Friday is when I run and so on. I miss the odd day or week of course, but its when I miss whole stretches that the wheels seem as though they’re falling off. These non-negotiables make the rest seem easier.

Little and often

I used to not bother going for a run unless I could get a whole 10k in. I have now realised that any movement is worthwhile. If I can’t get to a 60 minute yoga class, some gentle stretching in the morning for 15 minutes makes a world of difference.

Moving together

For me, movement feels so much better in a group. That is why I will always love the yoga studio environment, and will always be a fan of parkrun, cycling club, running with friends etc. For me, the feeling is amplified when I am moving with others, I feel a part of something. Belonging is such a big part of mental health.

At my workplace this week we are organising a rounders game so we can get some movement in with colleagues.

Find green space

I often walk the long way to my destination so I can swing through the park on the way. Being in nature really helps me. It doesn’t have to be the middle of the countryside, there is so much green space in London. Lincoln’s Inn Fields is a favourite during office day lunch breaks. A wander through Bunhill fields adds three minutes to my commute from teaching my yoga class. A morning trip to Kenwood Ladies Pond makes me feel calm and content all day. It all helps to lift my mood.

If this talk of movement is making you exhausted, I also highly advocate for stillness…

I might be biased here, but yoga and meditation have completely changed my outlook on life and helped me in every way imaginable. I could write a whole blog on how each aspect of my life has been improved by these practices. But I will say, that whilst movement is really important, so is stillness. Next week happens to be World Meditation Day if you are keen to embrace the flip side. Perhaps I’ll be inspired to write more on that….

Let me know how movement helps with your mental health. I’d love to hear about how you fit movement in to your day and what movement you enjoy.

Interested in yoga?

I have some events coming up…

Wednesday 15 May – Wellness Wednesday weekly yoga
Tuesday 21 May – Meditate together for World Meditation Day
Monday 3 June – Yoga, journaling and gong at RSA