As I was scrolling through Instagram (far less annoying to me than Facebook lately) last night, Tracy Anderson referenced Lena Dunham. I went to look and found this:
Promised myself I would not let exercise be the first thing to go by the wayside when I got busy with Girls Season 5 and here is why: it has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible. To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it's mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I'm glad I did. It ain't about the ass; it's about the brain. Thank you @tracyandersonmethod for showing me the light (and @bandierfit is where I bought my Florida mom inspired workout look.) #notsponsored #stillmedicated
Exercise has been a regular part of my life since I was a teenager. I would be lying if I said it has always been a stress release. It was probably much more “about the ass” (not really ass for me as I come from pretty ass-less/ square ass lineage) but either physique driven or just fun driven for years. Sure, there’s the sense of accomplishment after a tough workout but my sense of movement for mood came much later.
So it’s difficult for me to admit I can probably count my real workouts since the New Year on my fingers, my fingers OF ONE HAND. I’ve been under a lot of stress. And we all have stress whether it’s work, financial, relationship-related, health-related, child-related or parent-related. And when life is really dishing it out it can be a stress combo platter.
I’m typically the brush myself off and trudge on type of person. I'm also pretty programmed to eat well and exercise. But I get that sometimes every to do item is daunting and difficult. I also know when you do get yourself to a class or for a run or even a walk outside it’s worth it. And don’t get me wrong; I get the exercise for aesthetics thing. However, I think if we all pay attention to our mood and our stressors and acknowledge them it does as much for our asses, thighs and stomachs as any workout. I’m putting it out there that I will run today. Thanks Lena.What do you think of Lena’s comments? What do you do for mood? What’s your biggest source of stress?
And BTW I am OK (no emails or concern). I am in the business of reducing your stress but thought I'd put it out there that I get it.
I am NOT a Lena fan...she just rubs me the wrong way.
ReplyDeleteThat aside, I do agree with what her comments about exercise - I fully believe that it helps my mental state. Getting exercise in is so easy here in NYC, I walk everywhere, most days around 6-8 miles. I also do 30-45 minutes of yoga almost every day.
I do not go to a gym and haven't been since I moved here. Love this city!
Ah, i dig this so much. friend from yoga (obvi) once said it's not working OUT it's working IN. and that sort of transformed the way i think about exercise, doesnt always have to be beating up your body/ makng you suffer (though that's sometimes ok, it's ok to be about the ass too), it's really those inside/brain benefits. I have note on my fridge "move a muscle change a thought" and so freaking true... also i feel all my good ideas come from on a run or spin bike. now let's get you moving again, city row, barrys, marathon? whoop whoop xx
ReplyDeleteAgreed, always get ideas while running. Love the working IN. Took me almost 40 yrs glad others get lesson sooner.
ReplyDeleteWould think you'd like Lena, why the lack of love? And Ameena is a yogi? You're full of Monday surprises.
ReplyDeleteI really liked Lena's comments—physical activity is one of my favorite ways to deal with anxiety/stress. Restorative yoga is also really nice, though sometimes lying on the floor in a dark room full of strangers and occasionally rolling over to change the positioning of my hips on a bolster/blanket/whatever-the-f*** only lets my mind spiral more. A walk around the block is my go-to on a stressful workday. If I tell myself I don't have the time, that's a sign I really need it!
ReplyDeleteLove the honesty Jen ass and brains nothing wrong with 2 goals. Self care- taking the time sends such a good message.
ReplyDeleteTotally- when we say we have no time it's when we need it most, love that. No time or no energy a sign something is off kilter. I never was down with restorative, should I be?
ReplyDeleteSince the Fall and the family challenges it brought, running has been my Prozac! I can feel a huge difference in my mood after a couple of days without it. I am also a huge fan of the weekly Central Park run that has become "date night" for me and my husband. Exercise is wonderful for relationships too ;-)
ReplyDeleteInteresting you mention the mood drop without it, something many might not realize. Exercise is great for families for sure.
ReplyDeleteBiggest source(s!) of stress is entering my "f-you fifties" with a full time job, a teen, a tween and a husband (who sometimes seems like another teen). 6am boot camp MWF and sometimes on weekend saves my ass and my mood - I only miss for vaca or work travel and I really feel it (I use the 7 min workout on those trips which helps). To me this really relates to your bikini post - I wouldn't parade around in one if I wasn't at least doing some minimal physical activity. But since I know I'm putting good time in to maintain my health I can live with and not obsess over my imperfections. Thanks for all your great tips - was it you who recommended the book Moody Bitches? Reading it now - so great!
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