JAI ON EARTH Discovering Our Planet

Regular movement, often known as physical activity or exercise, has been shown to help both our minds and bodies. Here are some resources to help you move your body in a safe and healthy manner.

Benefits of Movement

When we think about movement, we frequently equate it with a sweaty session at the gym. However, movement may take several shapes, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, any sort of activity is good for our bodies and minds. Here are some of the advantages of moving your body:

• Releases endorphins and aids in stress reduction.
• Allows us to take a vacation from our daily struggles and duties.
• helps emotions travel through our body
• Provides an outlet for self-expression.
• Strengthens our connection to our body.

Movement is a real and easily accessible coping method for people of diverse abilities, fitness levels, and mobility ranges. It may also be a terrific way to meet new people, form communities, and seek support during difficult times.

Evaluating Our Relationship With Movement

Physical activity may enhance our mental health in a variety of ways, but it can also have negative consequences. In other situations, we may use exercise to assert control over our bodies, change our looks, or limit what we can consume. Here are a few things to consider when evaluating your own relationship with movement and exercise:

Intuitive relationship with movement:

Your Daily routine…

• Helps you feel connected with your body
• Allows for rest and sick days
• Makes you feel stronger, more flexible or have greater endurance
• Helps you relieve stress and is enjoyable
  Can move down on your priority list
• Is responsive to your needs
• Includes different types of movement
• • Is respectful of your body’s limits
• Potentially harmful relationship with movement:
• Your routine…
• Is all or nothing
• Allows for very few or no rest days
• Doesn’t include breaks or time off for sick days or injuries
• Must meet certain requirements to “count”
• Feels like something you have to or are expected to do
• Takes priority over other things in life (relationships, rest, socializing, etc.)
• Causes you to feel upset or anxious if you miss a workout
  Determines what you are allowed to eat based on activity level or calories burned

Making movement fun

Another technique to improve your connection with activity is to make it enjoyable! Not only will you be more likely to engage in healthy activity, but it will also be simpler to include into your routine if it provides you joy, enhances your mood, or relieves stress. Here is how to start:

There are countless ways to move your body. Use these questions to see what kind of activities could appeal to you:

Do you prefer exercising alone or with others?

Do you favor indoor or outdoor activities?

What’s your current level of fitness?

How do you want to feel afterward (e.g., relaxed, energized)?