Welcome to the Good Life Chronicles, where living a good life takes center stage.
It’s often the last thing we feel like doing. After a tiring day, we tell ourselves we're drained, have no energy, and would rather watch TV. And yet, that is exactly what we should not do.
While moving takes energy, it’s exactly what we need to get energy.
Physical activity is not only good for our bodies, hearts, muscles and minds, it’s good for our emotional wellbeing. And people who are more physically active are indeed happier. Movement boosts our mood, reduces depression, and improves quality of life. It's even prescribed as medical treatment in many places.
And it's more than mood. Physical activity helps us think more clearly: problems that seem big suddenly become smaller. Opportunities that were previously hidden also appear.
So, if it's so effective, the question is: why don’t we do move more often?
- We’re good at convincing ourselves it’s too hot, cold, early, or late… (sound familiar?) Stop! When it comes to physical movement, it’s often better to listen to ourselves less.
- We’re also good at (dis)organizing life to avoid things. Forgot a hat? Get organized. Pack your bag the night before, make a list, set a reminder.
- We prefer complicated solutions to easy ones. Juice cleanses, silent retreats, and supplements are good distractions, but don't change things. The simple stuff IS often what we need.
- We often do what others do, even when we don’t like it. I like riding my bike and skipping rope. But yoga? No thanks. I know what makes me happy. Yoga doesn’t. And that’s ok. Find what works for you.
- We try to do it “right” instead of just moving. Whether you perfect the Zumba steps or do them clumsily, it’s the same calories. Just have fun.
Want to know my secret to moving more? First, I get in the mood with 94.7 Ibiza Dubai! Second, if I want to work hard, I go to the mixed side of my gym. It's mostly men on their phones. They try hard to ignore me but notice what I'm doing... and try to copy it. A silent but watchful audience always helps. But if I mostly need a boost in mood, I'm the one in the back row going right when everyone is going left! It builds character!
There are many ways to have a Good Life: Moving more is one of them.
What physical activities help you live a Good Life? Share your favourite places and playlists to inspire us all!
Share it in the comments here or below depending on your platform. Remember to log in first to leave a comment.
While you’re here!
If you like the idea of happiness and feel someone in your life should too, pass along this newsletter. They can sign up here.
If you want to be part of a growing community of people also choosing happiness, follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram.
Why not learn the skills of happiness? Sign up to my course here, where I share scientifically tested strategies to help you build a better life. You can also “gift” the course to others.
PS... Have you heard of the Dubai 30x30 Happiness Challenge!? Get ready to take part on November 1st with thousands of others in Dubai and around the world. More on this very soon.
Have a great week!
Responses