A Path to Happiness via Health and Connection
Hello friends! Today, let’s explore a subject very dear to my heart: finding joy in life through fitness. You may be thinking, “What does this have to do with fitness?” Well, let me bleed it out, everything! Our physical health is linked to our mental health and emotional health, and “finding joy in life through fitness” can change our lives.
Start with Gratitude
The first step in expressing joy in our daily lives is gratitude. One of the easiest ways to start sharing joy is gratitude. I began a gratitude journal at least two years ago, and to be honest, it changed my life! At the end of the day, I write down three things that made me smile, and it can be the littlest things. Sometimes it could be the sun shining on my morning run, or a high-five from my workout partner, or maybe that extra ounce of coffee that I didn’t think I was going to have (you get the picture).
Recognizing positive aspects of your life can change your perspective. When you start recognizing positives in your life, you’ll find that you start seeing the abundance of positives around you, rather than waiting for the negatives to arrive. And on those tough days, remember, there is always a glimmer of hope out there ready to be discovered.
Move Your Body and Change Your Mood
As the old saying goes, “Exercise provides your brain with endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.” But, I believe it’ s so much more than that, when you exercise or move your body in any way, and release those chemicals, there is a sense of accomplishment. Whatever that may be, maybe it is lifting weights, classically dancing, or just a brisk walk; find what makes your heart happy.
For me, I just enrolled in a dance class (yes, me, non-dancer!) and while I felt self-conscious and silly at first, I could not stop smiling through the class. The music was infectious, my peers cheered each other’s moves, and I felt joy as I was bodily moving. So find your movement, get out of your own way, and find the happy space that comes from moving your body!
Make Deep Connections
Another ingredient of joy in life is our relationships. You know how it feels to laugh with a friend or coach? Those feelings of inclusion can energize you. So, get after it! Join a local fitness group, have a chat with someone at the gym, or invite a friend to try something new.
Connecting with others fosters a wider view of life, we share experiences, and build relationships for empowerment. I have met lifelong friends through fitness groups; they remind me that joy is often greater when shared.
Try New Experiences
We all know life is too short for the “same thing, different day” mentality. Change it up, and try new fitness experiences! Have you even tried anything like rock climbing, yoga in the park, or a martial arts class? Any new experience you take on has its own excitement, opportunities for fun, and joy. Besides, even if it doesn’t go as planned, you often walk away with a fun story and a cherished experience.
I participated in a trail running retreat last summer, and although I had difficulty keeping pace with the group, I fell more times than I can count, and even those unplanned moments came with laughter and encouragement. I returned home exhausted and with sore legs, but my heart was full with joy and gratefulness for the experience.
Acknowledge your progress
Lastly, don’t forget to acknowledge your progress – no matter how minor it may seem! Whether it is running that extra mile, or lifting heavier weights, or simply showing up when you didn’t want to, it all counts. You deserve to acknowledge every single step you made in the right direction. Maybe set small, attainable goals, and acknowledge these successes. Maybe treat yourself to special dessert, or spend a cozy night with a preferred book, or whatever suits your fancy to celebrate. You deserve it!
Finding joy is a process, not a destination. It is about enjoying the little pieces that warm our hearts and changing the way we think of happiness, health, and happiness. So, let’s experience joy, exercised into our workouts and shared with the world.
Here’s to a joyful journey My Friend! What brings you joy in your life? I would love to hear in the comments about your experiences!
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