Mind, Body and Spirit. It is very important to have all three aligned and in sync with one another, for our optimal highest potential. And if one is off, or out of alignment, it then affects the other two. Let’s take our bodies for instance, if we are unhealthy and we are living a sedentary lifestyle, it can affect our thoughts, and the way we may think about ourselves. And with continuous criticism and judgements of ourselves, it then affects our spirits. Our light becomes diminished, and this may lead to continuous repeating patterns, that affect all areas of our lives.
Our bodies are an innate intelligence. It is imperative that we engage in some form of exercise, so we function and have the life we deserve. We are only given one body this lifetime. Our bodies are our temples, our sanctuary, and the vehicles we use to navigate through life. Just like we take care of the vehicles we drive; getting the oil change, rotating the tires and getting the fluids topped off. We too must service our bodies, and keep them immaculate and pristine. One way to accomplish this, is engaging in some form of physical activity on a consistent basis.
When we exercise our bodies release endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in our brain, that trigger a positive feeling in the body. Endorphins also act as analgesics. This means they diminish the perception of pain. Exercise also activates our brains pleasure circuit, which is the same area of the brain that is activated when people use drugs. Our brain also releases other neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin affects mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, memory and temperature regulation. Low levels of serotonin are connected with depression and lethargy. Dopamine affects movement, emotional response, and our ability to feel pleasure. To sum it up, exercise can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, improve sleep, as well as ward off anxiety and depression. Sustained physical exercise, whether it be running, swimming, cycling or weight training, will improve our mental states, and also strengthen the cardiovascular, pulmonary and endocrine systems.
Where ever you are in your life of activity, make it o.k.. Don’t judge yourself. Just make a new choice and begin some form of exercise. Whether it’s taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Kicking the soccer ball with your kids or grandkids. Playing simon says, or red rover, red rover. Clean your house top, to bottom. Instead of watching T.V. , go for a walk with your family, or friends around your neighborhood, or the park. It doesn’t matter where you start, just start! You deserve to thrive and be at your greatest potential. And exercise is just one modality, to help you achieve this.
