Sound familiar? Well, sometimes the best way to motivate yourself to move is to harness the power of, well, a little movement.
It’s there that Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT, a Certified Dance/Movement Therapist and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, can help. She recently shared a handful of her go-to moves that help her when she finds herself stuck in a fitness rut on his Instagram account.
“These strategies are useful when we feel emotionally and cognitively blocked, unmotivated or out of options, also when we are in a state of hypo- or hyper-arousal and are out of our ‘window of tolerance’ “”, she says. “These interventions work through the mind-body connection.” Here she shares how to use movement to motivate yourself when you want to work out but just aren’t feeling it.
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1. Find a rhythm or beat and move on it
The simple act of rocking to music can potentially increase mindfulness, decrease psychological stress in the body by calming your nervous system, and improve quality of life, according to a recent study. meta-analysis of the benefits of dance. So if you’re feeling too overwhelmed to exercise, a dance break may be just what you need.
2. Swing, sway or sway any part of your body
If you are in your head and feeling emotionally overwhelmed, this is a good way to dive into your body, bringing your awareness to your physical form. It could be as simple as tapping your foot. “Physical momentum influences cognitive motivation,” says Hornthal. “There is no ‘right’ way to get around. These are micro-movements because small movements lead to big changes.
3. Change posture
It’s understandable that you may not feel ready or inspired to move if you are hunched over, hunched over, or holding your body in a way that makes movement unattainable. But the opposite is just as true, according to Hornthal. “Movement in the body influences connection and activity in the brain, which can create new ideas, new perspective, focus, attention, and thoughts,” she says, so roll those shoulders back, stack your spine and see if that does nothing to your mood.
4. Pivot or change direction
“How we move influences how we think,” says Hornthal, “so when we seek to change our thoughts, it’s a simple way to build momentum that leads to motivation.” If you are used to moving in one direction all the time, consider trying activities that require you to move different planes of motion. For example, rather than always moving forward, like when you walk, try an activity like tennis that requires you to lean to the side. Not only can it change your perspective, but it can also help you avoid injury and increase your longevity.
5. Pay attention to your breathing
“Let it guide your next move,” Hornthal says of your breathing. It is one of the simplest forms of meditation. calm your nervous system so you can bypass any motivational obstacles that stand in your way.
“Body at rest stay at rest,” says Hornthal. “The objective is therefore to create a dynamic that, physiologically and psychologically, leads to motivation. Simple, small movement is the easiest way to build momentum. Remember, the next time you need a little more punch, you’ll want to use movement to motivate yourself.