Got stress? Get moving!
By Gregory Joujon-Roche
A big reason many people don’t feel like working out is because they’re preoccupied with their daily problems and weighed down with the lethargy that comes with those problems.
But you can physicalize what’s on your mind, and work through it -- and past it. You probably physicalize your emotions all the time, without even being aware of it. For example, when you get off the phone after a difficult business call and you smack your hand on your desk, that’s physicalizing your emotions.
In fact, it’s virtually impossible not to physicalize your emotions, because the mind and body are inseparable. The body almost always responds to what’s going on in the mind, in one way or another. Too often, though, the way it responds to negative emotions is with subtle tightening and tensing.
The classic American way to get rid of this accumulated tension at the end of the day is to drink it away during a happy hour, eat it away during dinner, numb it away in front of the television -- or a combination of all three.
Why not let exercise help? Simple stretching can get rid of a lot of pent-up emotion, especially if you stretch your neck and shoulders, where tension loves to live.
Then when it comes time to work out -- watch out, world! Now you can get cathartic in a big way. And it’s going to feel good.
To physicalize your emotions during a workout, you should focus intently on your anger, frustration, boredom -- whatever’s got you down -- and then beat it up. You’ll be amazed at how much better you’ll feel in a shockingly short time.
Some types of exercise are better for stress release than others. The best kind, for most people, are the exercises that safely mimic fighting, such as the martial arts. A few kicks and punches are great for releasing your emotions in a healthy way.
It can also feel great to do some rugged outdoor work, such as splitting firewood, pulling up weeds, digging or hammering. Even just jogging or running can let off a tremendous amount of steam.
When you physicalize your emotions, a funny thing will happen: You’ll have more energy after you work out than you did before. It takes a lot of energy to hold in feelings.
When you begin your workout, just drop your negative emotions. You have that power. You can check them at the door, and enter into a world that’s free from your ordinary worries. Doing this is just a matter of willpower.
Your workout can become your own daily oasis.
*Adapted from "One Body, One Life" by Gregory Joujon-Roche.
