3 Simple Tips for Getting More Movement in

What is the quickest and best way to get yourself out of a funk, feeling less stress and feeling downright GOOD!? Move your body! We spend so much of our lives stuck in our heads that we often even forget the rest of our body is there. Movement helps reduce cortisol (that nasty stress hormone), which can help boost your mood, clear your head, and increase immune function. I often get my best ideas when I’m out for a walk or run.

3 Tips for incorporating movement into your life

Explore the things you love! Movement does not have to be difficult to be effective. Plus, you are much more likely to stick to something if you enjoy it! Brainstorm different activities you find fun. It could be dancing, hiking, walking the neighborhood, skateboarding, yoga, kayaking… you name it! Have a list of different activities you love doing and start incorporating these into your daily life.

Get outdoors! Living in the PNW, I realize this isn’t always an option, but I do it as often as I can… weather permitting! Being out in nature helps to relieve stress, and it is so good for your spirit to connect with the earth. I love putting in some earbuds, listening to a guided meditation, and heading out for a walk in my neighborhood. Talk about bang for your buck by taking care of my mind, body AND spirit all at the same time!

Enlist a friend! You are much more likely to stick to something if you do it with someone else. Why? Because we are much less likely to break a promise we made to someone else than we are one we’ve made to ourselves… ouch! Terrible, but true. (I can help if your struggle with this!) Plus, social connection with others is critical for our wellbeing. So go snag a friend and sign up for something fun!