Today has been a great day. I have done everything I have set out to do, find, and create. Progress on my painting has commenced, I went to the gym, I exchanged a pair of Lulu Lemon leggings that I needed to do, and I have managed to eat lunch.
I would consider today a win. I was thinking about all kinds of things at the gym-- for me, when I exercise and when I drink coffee is when I feel most creative. The gym feels like a place to multi-task: I am creating a body that will (hopefully) enjoy the privilege of good health and longevity, but also I am usually writing, reading, or planning new adventures. Thank goodness for the Y. Physical fitness is such a good thing for not only the body, but the mind. I know yoga is the practice of centering both in synchronization, but I think anyone (even if you don't want to do yoga) can use 20 minutes on the elliptical as a means of clarity. This will be the second time I mention Lulu Lemon in my post today (I am a big fan of their lifestyle blogs and their corporate culture), but on their bag it says we should exercise for at least 20 minutes per day. I agree, I believe even just a twenty minute walk can change a perspective. About a year ago I was severely depressed. Functional, but I could not shake my creeping anxiety. I used to be an athlete, way back in high school, but my freshmen year of college I stopped exercising. I directly notice a drop in my productivity, creativity, and mood when I do not exercise for longer than a week. Last year when I fell victim to severe anxiety and depression, I began what I called a daily "run-walk". I was not in-shape enough to run for twenty minutes (sad, I know), so I would alternate between walking and running for about half of an hour. I made myself do it every day for two months, and the results could not have been more clear. I felt better, I was more sociable, I had more inspiration, and I slept better. All of the things that I really, really needed. I know some people hate exercise and don't want to for a variety of reasons. It does not have to be body-image related to decide it is a good idea to exercise. Mental health's relationship to exercise is even more important than the physical benefits. As I said before, exercising is another way to create for me. I create the body and the mind that I want. And it feels good. Today has been a great day.
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Author: Allyson DitizioGeographer, yogi and occasionally creative writer. Archives
September 2016
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