5 Tips To Help You Get In Touch with Your Most Active Self
Leave a CommentIn today’s fast-paced and hectic world, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can sometimes feel like a challenge. However, by tapping into your most active self, you can unlock your full potential and lead a more energetic and fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking to kick-start a new fitness routine or revitalize your existing one, these five tips will help you reconnect with your most active self and embrace a lifestyle of vitality.
1. Set Clear Goals
To get in touch with your most active self, start by setting clear and realistic goals. Define what being active means to you and what you hope to achieve. Whether it’s completing a 5K run, improving your flexibility, or simply having more energy throughout the day, clearly stating your objectives will give you a sense of direction and purpose. Break your goals into smaller milestones, and celebrate your achievements along the way, as this will keep you motivated and engaged.
2. Find Activities You Enjoy
One key to sustaining an active lifestyle is finding activities you genuinely enjoy. Engaging in activities you find fun and fulfilling will make it easier to stay committed and consistent for the long-term. Experiment with various physical activities such as dancing, hiking, cycling, swimming, weightlifting, or group fitness classes until you discover what resonates with you. Remember, being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym; it can be as simple as playing a sport with friends or taking a brisk walk in nature. Spending time in nature can help to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. When we are in nature, we are more likely to feel connected to something larger than ourselves, which in turn can help us to connect to our most active selves.
3. Prioritize Regular Movement And Make It A Habit
Incorporating regular movement into your daily routine is essential for maintaining an active lifestyle. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise most days of the week. This could include brisk walking, cycling, or doing household chores that require physical effort. Make it a habit to take active breaks throughout the day, such as stretching or going for a short walk during your lunch break. Remember, consistency is key, so find ways to make movement a natural part of your day. As you start to incorporate activity into your daily life, these new exercises may become a regular, autonomic habit in the long run.
4. Build A Support Network
Having a support network can significantly impact your motivation and commitment to staying active. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who share your passion for an active lifestyle. The people we spend time with have a big impact on our sense of self. When we surround ourselves with positive people, they can help to lift us up and encourage us to be our best selves. Join fitness classes, sports clubs, or online communities where you can connect with others who are on a similar journey (such as Athletico’s new Strava club for you runners and cyclists out there!). Many people feel more committed to an activity if they are doing it with others. The key is to find something that brings you joy and keeps you moving. Having people to share your achievements, setbacks, and tips with will keep you inspired and accountable. Additionally, consider finding a workout buddy who can join you in your fitness pursuits, which can make physical activity more enjoyable and encouraging (and can also help with accountability).
5. Embrace Mind-Body Connection
To truly get in touch with your most active self, it’s important to embrace the mind-body connection. Engaging in activities that promote both physical and mental well-being can help you tap into your inner energy reserves. Explore practices like yoga, Pilates, or Tai Chi, which combine movement with mindfulness and breath control. These activities not only enhance flexibility, strength, and balance but also provide a sense of calm and clarity. Some also find great benefits in activities such as medication and mindfulness. A 2016 study from colleagues at Rutgers University revealed that a combination of meditation and aerobic activity for 20 minutes, twice a week, lowered symptoms of depression by 40%1. By nourishing your mind and body, you will experience a holistic approach to an active lifestyle.
Connecting with your most active self is about finding the right balance between physical movement, mental well-being, and personal fulfillment. By setting clear goals, finding enjoyable activities, prioritizing regular movement, building a support network, and embracing the mind-body connection, you’ll be well on your way to living a more active and vibrant life. Remember, it’s not about comparing yourself to others, but rather discovering what energizes and motivates you. Everyone enjoys different activities. Embrace the journey, be patient with yourself, and celebrate the progress you make along the way. Here’s to a more active and fulfilling life!
If you’re experiencing aches and pains or dealing with an injury that prohibits you from living your most active life, connect with our team for a free assessment. Free assessments are available in person and virtually through our telehealth platform.
*Per federal guidelines, beneficiaries of plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, VHA and other federally funded plans are not eligible for free assessments.
The Athletico blog is an educational resource written by Athletico employees. Athletico bloggers are licensed professionals who abide by the code of ethics outlined by their respective professional associations. The content published in blog posts represents the opinion of the individual author based on their expertise and experience. The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only, does not constitute medical advice and should not be relied on for making personal health decisions.
References:
1. lderman, B., Olson, R., Brush, C. et al. MAP training: combining meditation and aerobic exercise reduces depression and rumination while enhancing synchronized brain activity. Transl Psychiatry 6, e726 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/tp.2015.225
