May is an excellent month to get out and move. Spring is here, it’s warmer and there’s still that sense of vibrancy in the air before the languid days of summer set in. It’s a time when I feel the urge to move more, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy the outdoors. It keeps me sane.
Many of you know I struggle with ME/CFS* and feel fatigued and achy frequently. So it can be hard to want to move. But before this, years of getting outside and exercising has taught me movement really does help my mental health.
As the Mental Health Foundation says:
“One of the most important things you can do to help protect your mental health is regular movement. Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost your self-esteem.”
They have some great tips.
And here are a few of my suggestions to help you find your moments for movement…
1. If you can’t move much and any activity is hard…
If you’re unable to move a lot, for whatever reason, why not do some chair exercises, or even laying down movement? I frequently lie on the floor and do gentle pilates. And I’ve recently started doing Raelan Agle’s gentle exercise routines. I leave some fairly light hand weights where I can see them (the plan is to increase the weight as I’m able) so I pick them up and do very short bursts of weight-bearing activity occasionally**. Even a minute of movement makes me feel more able to tackle the world again.
2. If you can move a bit more…
Going for a walk is an excellent thing. And you can tailor it to your fitness level by going brisk or gentle (and gradually increase what you do in a way that works for you). If you have a dog, there’s your perfect motivation.
I don’t have any pets but you’ll sometimes find me with my camera instead taking a stroll, observing the world around me and viewing it through the lens. While the walk itself is great – the movement feels good and gives my brain chance to be calm – going with purpose is also helpful. Mindful photography is something I’m trying to do more of this season as it focuses you on the moment, your cares drift away, and you hopefully get a photo that’s meaningful rather than a multitude of happy snaps. Here’s a few pics I took in the last week:
3. If you’re completely wired and movement is the only option…
Well, moving fast is one answer. It could be the gym, perhaps a run. Or maybe you like to dance around in your kitchen singing at the top of your voice (sorry neighbours). While I don’t get this energetic for very long or very often, when I do, IT. IS. FAB!
And what does the Bible say about movement?
God made us to move. We have hands to work, feet to move, and we breathe as part of daily living. We are called to be Jesus’ hands and feet on earth:
“In him we live and move and have our being – Acts 17:28 (NIV)
And He certainly moved a lot!
Jesus travelled, often on foot (e.g. John 4:3-6; Matt 17: 1; Mark 1: 14-20), and a day’s journey would have been 20-25 miles. While not travelling He’ll have easily walked five miles doing his daily work. He also partied, no doubt joining in with the dancing and festivities at Cana (John 2: 1-11).
His disciples travelled with Him and engaged in strenuous activities as part of their daily lives e.g. fishing (Luke 5:1-7) and managing the boat during a terrible storm (e.g. Luke 8: 22-23).
Life 2000 years ago in the Middle East was definitely not sedentary like it is today.
And God created a beautiful world for us to enjoy. So what better way to do this than move about in nature?
How are you going to take a moment for movement this week?
[*If you have ME/CFS like me please be careful how you manage movement/ exercise. We are all different and only you know what your body can tolerate. I am only affected mildly which is very different to moderate or severe ME/CFS. If at all unsure do get professional advice.] [**Weight-bearing activity is especially important for ladies as we get older and oestrogen levels decline, but that’s another story…]