I know, I know… “no pain no gain” is sexy! The just do it and go full beast mode can be very intoxicating and the 30-day challenge to [insert big goal here that usually has to do with appearance or the dread “toxins”] are exciting and instagrammable.
But I haven’t ever actually seen someone’s life change because of this approach (well at least not in a positive way!). On the other hand, I have seen people’s lives change in truly breathtaking ways through gentle, kind and enjoyable health practices. Every time I post about joyful health or joyful movement I am always really encouraged, and honestly sometimes a little surprised, by the response. They usually range from “Thank you – that was exactly what I needed to hear” to “I never thought of it that way” and I honestly think people are tired of the health as punishment paradigm. What if we started listening to ourselves more and started doing things we enjoyed instead. I know.. going to bed 15 minutes earlier or going for a gentle walk along the river isn’t going to win any competitions, but they can make a huge difference over time. It is usually the small change over long periods that have the power to transform and I see this all the time in my practice. We all have unique constitutions and varying current health pictures. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the huge amount of often contradictory health information you are being bombarded with, I recommend this simple exploration: What do you want to do? How do you feel afterwards? Let’s take exercise: things like Bootcamp and CrossFit might light you up. Perhaps you love going and feel great afterwards – and this is often the case for people who find they have stagnation in their lives, emotions or physical health. The explosive and varied movement can feel so much better. But perhaps the idea of going makes you actually want to weep and you feel like you have been hit by a bus for three days afterwards – a common occurrence for people who are incredibly depleted. If this is you, consider more gentle and spaced out exercise/movement. Either way, listen to yourself! You are unique and you deserve to feel great. Health practices shouldn’t be a punishment you dread (unless you are actually honestly into that and then, by all means, go to – no judgement!). What are some simple health practices that have been calling to you? Don’t worry about if they are impressive to others – what do you truly want to do? Can you add 10 minutes gently each day to meditate, have a hot bath, go for a gentle walk, draw, sing, laugh, etc? Try adding that in and enjoying the process. You may be shocked to find that this little thing makes you feel a little better; that you can trust your body to heal. You may find that this gives you the little lift you needed to add another health practice you enjoy and then all of a sudden 4 months have gone by and you are itching to go for a longer bike ride then you have in years – but this time it is joyful.
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The holidays can truly bring up all the emotions and I know there are so many articles this time of year talking about how to stay healthy through all the treats, travel and challenges. This one may be a little different – there won’t be any tips to eat less or sneak in vegetables. As always, I am going to gently invite you to take a more self-loving perspective.
1. Listen to your body With all that can come up this time of year, if you can, try to sit with and really feel into what your body wants. Does it want rest or movement? Does it want another baked good or a break? Truly feel into what would feel good for you and enjoy that. 2. Enjoyment is healthy Please don’t ever discount the beautiful effect of enjoyment on your health. If you are spending time with community, whether chosen or biological, can you really be present and enjoy it fully? Food and lazy days together can be a huge part of celebrating and that joy is so good for us. Can you enjoy every bite of the baked goods (GASP even with sugar!!! Yes!! Enjoy it fully!) Can you enjoy every moment of cozy blankets and watching holiday movies? 3. Diversity of Movement When you feel called to move can you move in new or diverse ways? Perhaps you are away from your regular routine, but does another way of moving sound good? Can you go on a walk on your own or with people around you? Can you prepare food in a squatting position? Can you crawl through a fort with the kids (or without – I will never concede that forts have an age limit!) 4. No shame and no punishment No matter what you eat or what activities you do or don’t do, please please please do not use shame or punishment. Denying food or over exercising will not change the past and will only cause harm. Eating is not a sin and does not require penance. 5. Be very gentle with yourself This time of year is always painted as so jolly, but for many of us, it is not (or at least moments of it are not). Please be so gentle with yourself. Do any self-care activities help right now? Are there any aspects of the holidays you find beautiful? Focus on these as much as possible and remember this time of year is not a great time for pushing yourself – it is a time for gentleness and rest. Do you have any tips for the holidays? Please leave them in a comment below! |
AuthorErin is a Doctor of Acupuncture practicing in Calgary, Alberta. Archives
August 2023
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