What is joyful movement?
During these beach and pool going months pressure to exercise might increase. Unfortunately, in today’s culture, exercise is often seen as a way to change our bodies rather than a means to enhance our lives by boosting mood, improving sleep, strengthening the immune system, and making daily activities easier. Many people with disordered eating also struggle with a disordered relationship with exercise, often using it excessively, compulsively, or as a form of compensation. Others may avoid it altogether, as it creates too much distress around their body image. While eating disorder recovery focuses on restoring a healthy relationship with food, rebuilding a healthy relationship with physical activity is important and can be just as challenging. Shifting your mindset is the first step!
Breaking Down Joyful Movement
Joyful or intuitive movement is all about finding physical activities you genuinely enjoy, which make you feel good both physically and mentally. If you’re recovering from disordered eating, you might struggle with negative thoughts and habits, but this approach helps you focus on honoring your body and enjoying movement, rather than worrying about burning calories or other external pressures.
Joyful movement changes the perspective by focusing on pleasure rather than seeing physical activity as an obligation. This means tuning into your body’s cues and deciding what type of movement feels good at the moment. Some days it might be hiking or dancing, other days it could be taking a yoga class or stretching, and sometimes it means simply resting.
Once you find activities you enjoy, you’ll realize that moving your body without worrying about losing weight, building muscle, or other external factors can be quite fun! Plus, physical activity helps reduce stress and relax the nervous system, leaving you feeling calmer. It can also help you reconnect with your body, allowing you to tune into your thoughts, feelings, and moods, and reflect on your day.
How can I incorporate joyful movement?
Find Activities You Enjoy!
One thing to keep in mind, these don’t have to be a traditional structured activity, dancing, playing tag with your children, walking your dog or even walking while you listen to your favorite podcast. These are all forms of joyful movement. You might need to experiment with different activities to find what excites you (and it could be more than one!). The goal is to look forward to these activities, not dread them. If you do find yourself dreading it, it might be time to try something new. With so many options available today, you can explore classes either in person or online to get started. Other options include:
- Running
- Gardening
- Riding a bike
- Walking
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Rollerblading
- Hiking
- Water Sports such as Surfing and Kayaking
- Group sports, such as volleyball or soccer
Listen to Your Body
It’s important to listen to your body’s needs, which can vary day to day. Some days you might feel more tired than others, and recognizing this can help you decide what your body needs. Remember, rest days are just as valuable as active days because they allow your body to recover and heal. If you feel more fatigued than usual, be kind to yourself and understand that taking a rest day is a way to honor your body. If your body needs rest, it’s important to respect that.
Invite a Friend
If you want to try something new but need extra support, invite a friend or family member to join you! You could also sign up for a team sport. This way, you can connect with others while staying active. Many people find physical activity more enjoyable when they share the experience with loved ones.
Moving your body can help you connect more deeply with yourself, both physically and emotionally. When you do activities that make you feel good and connect you back to your body exercise, you can find something you look forward to in your day. This shift towards joyful and intuitive movement not only boosts your physical health but also uplifts your mood and overall well-being. By listening to your body, finding joy in movement, and honoring its needs, you create a sustainable and enjoyable way to stay active and healthy.
At Nutrition Braved we believe strongly in finding movement that brings you joy. In fact, joyful movement is one of the key philosophies of our practice along with All Foods Fit, Mindful Eating, Diversity and Practical Solutions. Read more about our philosophies here.
