How’s your physical fitness these days?
Ever wondered if there is such a thing as a COVID body?
Do you own one?
Whether work-from-home (WFH) or being otherwise COVID-19 restricted, we all seem to have had some time on our hands lately. After bingeing on TV shows and goodness knows how many empty calories, our thinking likely comes around to resuming or starting exercise. It’s probably not an enticing idea either.
Laying the Groundwork
Don’t let the current media frenzy frighten you into not caring for yourself. The intent behind much of the public conversations have been about coercing behaviors, rather than empowering the individual. That’s probably why we are all tired of feeling beat up by the pandemic. Most of the conversations have been about being frightened and scared instead of being courageous and strong.
We do have a choice. We are allowed to move.
Pursuing physical fitness helps us to find that joy that each of us needs
Being intentional in our purpose and actions builds us up, both physically and mentally. Humans are amazingly adaptable. Resistance, whether in the form of exercise or responding to crisis, always provides us the opportunity to grow back stronger.
With all of the wondrous (I’m being sarcastic) COVID restrictions we have or continue to endure, I found that a simple rendering unto Caesar is sensible. Not every change or limitation is worth a life-or-death fight. Sometimes we have to just work with stupid (read: ignorant) rules and behaviors. I like to choose which battles I own, thank you very much.
Mask when appropriate and don’t be afraid. Experiencing fear in these times is normal. Being afraid however, is a choice. Accept the limitations of the circumstances, respond appropriately, and move on.
Pretty Cool Chemicals
When it comes to our bodies, we are all chemical junkies. Our physiology traffics in numerous chemicals that take care of daily business. For some chemicals we aren’t necessarily aware of, like insulin managing the sugar in that cookie you just ate. Others like endorphins produced during exercise, hit our awareness – hard.
Did you ever wonder why exercise sometimes acted like a big happy pill for our mental attitude?
One of the bigger players in our brain chemistry is dopamine. Exercise provides a hit of this natural wonder drug that can make everything in your world seem like it is all manageable. Feeling good about ourselves is valuable but feeling in control is equally important. With so many challenges to our sense of control lately, it is good to know we have ways of constructively returning to a balanced sense of well-being.
This chemical aspect of exercise can act as an antidote to some of the less-than-beneficial behaviors some of us may have developed, especially during the stress of the pandemic. Emotional eating, emotional spending, and other toxic behaviors can be remedied with a good dose of a regained sense of control over one’s life.
Physical Fitness Excuses Always Abound
No matter the weather, time of day, or how my body is performing, I can always manage to produce at least one thought of not venturing out to workout. (“Is that thunder I just heard?” “That sore knee could be a torn ligament.” “I’m sure it’s too hot/cold/wet/dry to workout today.”) It is just part of our nature to seek out comfort over discomfort. We all know that vegging on the sofa is much more comfortable than getting up to move our body.
Thank you for sharing.
With so many other things in our lives conspiring to stop our exercise, adapt.
Try different activities. For me, every winter is time to cross train with any number of physical activities that push my body in different directions than the bike. Walking, running, even yard work keeps my body moving. You want to know the funny part? Once outside and warmed up, I love exercise out in the cold. Still haven’t figured out how to overcome my reluctance to ride in the cold but I keep on trying.
Winter workouts are also great for mental health and mood when low light and confinement pulls our brains down. Available sunlight boosts enjoyment of outside activity. Physical fitness activities are not just about physical health but making us happy (mental health).
Keep that dopamine coming!
Why We Return to Physical Fitness
Intentional exercise can provide unintentional rewards. Besides dopamine and endorphin payback, physical activities can bring fulfillment on a number of levels.
Working on your beach body during the winter can be a great motivator but there are also short-term rewards to find and enjoy. Like an after-exercise soaking in a warm bath, indulging in a favorite hot drink, or maybe wrapping up in some comfortable clothes. It all signals a sense of well-being, which is something we can always use.
Pursuing physical fitness helps us to find that joy that each of us needs, even during the best of times but especially now. Knowing some of the chemistry/physiology behind the experience may be helpful but getting moving and engaging the experience is what’s important.
Happy Holidays everyone!
“Live with intention.
Walk to the edge.
Listen Hard.
Practice wellness.
Play with abandon.
Laugh.
Choose with no regret.
Appreciate your friends.
Continue to learn.
Do what you love.
Live as if this is all there is.”
― Mary Anne Radmacher
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