How can I find a movement practice that actually brings me joy?
You hear it all the time: Movement makes you feel good! Sad? Go for a mental health walk. Anxious? Get some exercise. Lonely? Join a run club. But if you've never been the person who enjoys getting sweaty and breathless, you might feel like this advice seriously misses the mark. Here's the thing: Movement really can do wonders for your mental health—but not if you're miserable doing it. That's why finding something that you actually enjoy is clutch.
You're certainly not alone if you've been wanting to exercise more but don't really know where to start. According to ASICS' Move Her Mind Global Study, which surveyed 24,772 people across 40 countries, 51% of women are dissatisfied with their current exercise levels and are not exercising as much as they would like. At the same time, women who do exercise regularly report feeling happier, more confident, more energized, less stressed, and less frustrated. (Endorphins, man!)
But just going for a run or joining a gym isn't guaranteed to boost your mood. "You want it to be something that you don't have to do but something you look forward to," says psychologist Nina Polyné, PsyD.
So, if you've ever heard someone talking about how psyched they are for their workout and wondered "lol wut?" this one's for you.
Take a values-focused approach.
The right type of movement for you is going to be something that aligns with your values and interests, Dr. Polyné says. So, think about those things first, and then try out some forms of movement that could align. "For instance, if you love dance and music, try out a dance class. If your values are centered around spirituality, look for some kind of spiritual movement like yoga or tai chi," Dr. Polyné says. "Starting at the ground level of values will help you find what really lights you up."
This also means considering the social aspect of exercise. Are you extroverted and community-oriented, or would you prefer to exercise solo? If you're taking a group class, do you prefer a competitive environment or something more chill? That can help you narrow down important aspects of your routine—maybe finding a crew to exercise with is critical for maximizing your joy, or simply heading to the yoga studio early to chit-chat is what you need to fill your cup.
It's also not a bad idea to think about your motivation. What are you looking to get out of a movement practice? Do you want to improve your physical health? Do you want to connect more with your body and feel stronger and more confident? Maybe you just want to do something for yourself—and there's no shame in that! "Finding your motivation will really help you stay inspired," Dr. Polyné says.
Keep reading for 3 more tips on finding a movement practice that sparks joy.
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