If you struggle with having a well-rounded relationship with exercise, you’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelming pressure around movement, leading to over-exercising–while others may be bogged down by the stress of even thinking about starting a fitness journey–leading to not beginning at all.

Whether you’re looking for more sustainable ways to stay active or are just starting to engage in exercise, it begins with finding movement that is supportive to you. Movement that brings you joy!

What is Joyful Movement?

Joyful movement invites choice into the conversation of exercise. Instead of forcing yourself to muster the energy to get through the 5:30 a.m. HIIT class, the circuit workout at the gym, or the run outside, it’s about listening to your body for what feels right. It’s not about punishing yourself. It’s about engaging in movement that leaves you refreshed, energized, and clear-headed.

Joyful movement takes the pressure of the “have-to’s” and turns them into “want-to’s.” Living well is not about how disciplined you can be in a short amount of time; it’s about consistency. How you choose to fuel your body, your mind, and your movement is what ultimately makes a healthy life.

The necessary flipside of the coin to movement? Rest. Slowing down and tuning into what your body needs protects you from overdoing it.

Ask yourself: Where are my energy levels right now? How can I move that will make me feel good and add to my day? Do I need to take extra time to rest and recover today?

Starting out

If exercise is new to you but you want to be more active, it’s important to just start. Drown out the extra noise holding you back and just begin by putting your sneakers on.

Maybe you want to start in the comfort of your home

Follow a YouTube video online or jump into some bodyweight exercises. Low-impact movements have grown in popularity for their versatility, accessibility, and push for more mindful ways to move. Many people choose more “functional” exercises to find relief from burnout, bodily stress, and the negative effects of an overloaded nervous system.

To read more about low-impact exercises, check out my previous blog, “Are Low-Impact Workouts Better for Overall Health?”

Reach out to your community

Messaging a friend to get together for a walk or meet for a workout class are great options to help you stay plugged into your community while still being active. Maybe choose a new walking route you’ve never done before or sign up for a new exercise you’ve been wanting to try but maybe a little nervous to do on your own.

Mindfulness

A big component of joyful movement involves connecting your mind to your body. Movement allows you to recenter yourself and promote body awareness. With the rush of today’s world, you can find peace in yourself by just taking a 10-minute walk or deep breathing with a few yoga poses.

Have self-compassion

Not every day will be perfect. You may not feel like going for a walk or strength training, but the more you keep showing up for yourself through movement, staying active will just become a habit. An unconscious thought. It’ll become something you just do.

For the days that don’t feel as good as the others, remind yourself that being healthy is not a steady and direct line that leads to a final destination. It’s about enjoying the route every day by choosing the things that calm your mind, engage your body, and above all, bring you joy. Joy overflows into everything you do!