We’ve all gone through hard times. Some may have been the equivalent of the dog chewing up your favorite running shoes, which initially seems detrimental but ultimately isn’t so so bad. Others may be the equivalent of a personal loss that stays with you for a very long time. And still others may seem to stack up, like the world is out to get you and there’s really nothing you can do about it.
We’ve all been there. And it takes a toll.
The emotion can be crushing to the point of wiping out every and any motivation you’ve had to do any sort of daily activity. Little things can be tasking. Important things don’t seem to matter.
But the world around you doesn’t stop. It keeps going. And so must you.
Finding an outlet and a release during hard times is exceptionally important and can help you heal. It’s ok to let emotion take control sometimes in situations. We’re human and lucky to feel such things, even if it doesn’t seem like it at the time. Being emotional can be cathartic. Expressing how you feel is therapeutic. Finding an additional outlet is necessary, especially if it is one geared toward healing, and not hurting, your body and spirit.
Mine has personally surfaced in the form of exercise.
I am not a runner, but running has made me feel better. I’ve been doing it on the days I don’t go to the gym. Running with my dog makes it more tolerable and gives it more of a sense of purpose. Perhaps one day I’ll learn to actually enjoy it, but for now it’s more of a necessity than anything.
My boxing class has been my savior. Sometimes you just need to hit something really really hard. Over and over and over and over again. Honestly, it makes all the difference in the world. I even asked my instructor for additional lessons. Who knows, maybe someday I’ll even be brave enough to train for a fight.
For the first time in years, I participated in a yoga class. I am probably the least flexible person ever. Ok, maybe not ever but pretty darn close. I have never enjoyed yoga and always said it wasn’t for me. This particular class changed my mind. Not only was I able to do the majority of the poses, my body felt rejuvenated and my anxiety and stress levels plummeted, if only for that hour. It is the best I’ve felt in a while and I intend to attempt more classes.
Sweat dripping down my face, my lungs screaming for air, and my body being worked to the point of involuntary shaking has been the most glorious thing ever and I intend to continue.
Not only has exercise helped me immensely, I have every desire to eat healthy and be good to myself. If I can’t control the world, I can most certainly be the best that I can be to myself.
Many times, outlets and releases can manifest to something harmful: emotional eating, becoming lethargic, etc. I guess I just got lucky.
Even though we all go through hard times in our lives, your existence is still important and it’s your choice duty to channel that emotion and find ways to express it in a healthy manner. Your body and spirit are still here and require the love and care that is necessary for them to heal.
Even if it takes one minute, hour, day, week, or month at a time.
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