The 7-Day MOVEment Challenge!
With all this extra time on your hands, are you finding that you’re eating more? Or snacking more? Or have you been less active? Over the past few weeks it’s evident that most people’s stress levels are through the roof right now. Most of us are at home feeling bored, confused, overwhelmed, worried, angry, sad, stressed, fearful and isolated – a whole range of emotions that we might not be fully equipped to confront right now.
Whatever emotions you may be feeling at this point, just know that you’re not alone and it’s perfectly normal to experience them. What we need to do is focus on having healthy ways of dealing with our emotions and high stress levels.
The first thing you can do is simply be aware of what kind of emotions you’re experiencing. Once you’ve identified the types of emotions you’re experiencing, acknowledge that it’s okay to feel these emotions at this time. This is an important step because when people don’t make the space or time to process their emotions, they typically try to “numb” their emotions (by drinking alcohol, smoking, stress eating, eating junk foods, watching TV, etc.).
I want you to be more aware of your stress and emotions so that you can consciously decide how you’re going to manage your stress. You can choose from a wide variety of ways to manage your stress in a healthy way:
– Yoga
– Mindfulness
– Guided meditation
– Tai chi
– Journaling
– Counseling
– Walking
– Hobbies
– Relaxation Breathing
– Take a warm bath
– Exercise
In my opinion, movement and exercise are the best ways to manage stress and stay healthy through this trying time. Exercise provides the following benefits for you:
– Decreases release of stress hormones such as cortisol.
– Increases release of endorphins, which helps you feel calmer and reduces anxiety.
– Increases your metabolism to help you maintain a healthy weight.
– Aids in detoxification.
– Boosts your immune system.
– Improves your sleep quality and quantity.
– Helps you feel more alert and energized.
– Takes your mind off of your stress.
– Elevates your mood and reduces feelings of low mood or depression.
I’ve been making a point of getting some exercise inside or outside of the house every day. Aside from these benefits, I’ve also noticed increasing movement and exercise has helped me feel healthier and has enabled me to stick with a healthier diet. I always feel much better after our family walks, as it’s a great way to get some fresh air, spend time with your family, and even see some human beings around the neighbourhood (even though it’s from a distance)!
I encourage you to start incorporating more movement into your daily routine, which is why I’m sending you The 7-Day MOVEment Challenge! I’m using the word “MOVEment” for a reason – you’re not required to do any specific type of exercise, I just want you to MOVE more over this next week! MOVEment can include any of the following, and more:
– Stretching
– Yoga
– Gardening
– Yard work
– Chores
– Cleaning
– Running
– Walking
– Treadmill
– Biking
– Strength training
– Doing a DIY project
– Kicking a soccer ball
– Practicing your golf swing
– Dancing
– Karate
– Playing with your kids
Try your best to do this for 7 days straight and I promise you will feel more resilient, energetic, and able to handle your stress better! Put a 7-day checklist in your kitchen or on your fridge and checkmark all the days you took time for MOVEment. Tell a family member or friend you’re starting this challenge, so they can keep you accountable for the next week.
Please send this to family and friends, so they can join The 7 Day MOVEment Challenge and have some fun!
Yours in health,
Dr. Michael Morsillo, H.B.Sc., N.D.
Newmarket Naturopathic Doctor
16655 Yonge St., Newmarket, ON
905-898-1844 ext. 135
dr.morsillo@gmail.com
www.drmorsillo.com