Being able to perform has a lot to do with how you feel mentally. You can be strong overall but if you let your head get in the way you might have a less than great workout. You might think that incorporating happiness into your life might seem silly but these simple ideas can’t make a big difference for your health, movement, injury rate, or experience of pain. Most people need to read and re-read these, and more importantly, apply them in daily life. You need to have fun, life shouldn’t be so serious !
Laugh .. Laugh A LOT ! You need to laugh every single day. And I mean really laugh. Laughter relaxes the whole body, triggers the release of endorphins, relieves stress, improves mood, and just makes you feel good. And I don’t think I need to discuss how bad stress is for your body, both physically and mentally.
Find a training buddy that has the same goals as you! Working out has countless positive effects on your life. And as you already know, so does laughing. So blend the two together and work out daily with friends. Go to a gym that is a community, just like Fitness Heroics, where it’s a place that you love going and being. Make this a priority in your life and you will feel amazing on a daily basis.
Disconnect every once in a while.Have you noticed that the second your phone makes a noise you have to grab it and see what’s going on? Thanks to powerful mobile devices and social media, we live in a super connected world. I am the first to admit that I couldn’t live without my phone. I have it with me and I am guilty that I work even when I am off. Sometimes take the phone out of the equation and enjoy a day phone free.
Get up and MOVE !!
We’ve all heard the headlines, and heck, I’ve even written on the topic before – sitting is the new smoking. Studies show a huge number of negative physical and mental health effects of extended periods of sitting. Something as simple as sitting less can make you feel better both physically and mentally.I realize this is easier said than done, especially for those of you who have a desk job for long hours each day. Consider these simple, positive steps you can take:
- Use desk that converts from sitting to standing.
- Get up for frequent breaks.
- Stand during meetings.
- Walk around the office when you talk on the phone.
Add in mobility work often.Grab a foam roller, lacrosse ball, or a piece of PVC pipe you have laying around and spend five minutes a day doing some soft tissue work. If you have problem areas, focus on them. It may feel uncomfortable as you do it, but you usually finish feeling much better than when you started.
Get some rest and recovery. Program it into your schedule. Sleep enough. Sleep is critical recovery time and also protects you from illness. While you sleep, your body secretes hormones essential for muscle mass, bone strength, energy, and a strong immune system. This obviously does not happen if you don’t sleep. Think about that.
BE CONFIDENT !Stand up tall and own your life. Having good posture is the key to many aspects of your life.Not only does good posture have many positive physical effects, but it is also good for your confidence. In fact, research shows that walking tall improves your confidence, energy, and mood, and can also decrease your sensitivity to pain. Poor posture, on the other hand, can lead to feelings of stress and helplessness. So walk with your head up high.
Use each one of these points will improve your athletic performance, movement, productivity, and most importantly, your happiness.