By Kristen Donia —
This time has been interesting for all of us. And I’m guessing that’s not the first time you’ve heard that in the last few months. I have found, during this time, it’s been incredibly important to connect with my body. Not just my emotions, which is super necessary as well, but my physical body too. And I found that in doing so, I am able to process my emotions in a healthier, more productive way.
- I’m fully processing my emotions
I think of my body as a volcano. Weird huh? Hear me out. All the things that I am processing right now, the changes in our society, economy, home life, work, family, is all a lot to handle. When you place the added stress of the uncertainty and fear of a global pandemic, things get real intense. And if I’m not moving my body, all of those emotions stay circling around in me only partially processed. Sure I’ll talk with a friend and share some of my feelings but they aren’t fully out of me yet. I can still feel it all weighing me down. I need a full release, a way to slowly process everything before something small happens, but because of all the previously unprocessed emotions, I explode – volcano style.
- I see what my body is capable of
Moving my body is like releasing the pressure valve and allows me to let go of everything I have inside. It’s a way that I prove to myself that I can do hard things. I can go for a walk when laying on the couch is more comfortable and easy. I can do some simple yoga poses even though I haven’t in awhile. I can do a five-minute ab workout, it’s just five minutes, and I know I am capable. The more I show myself what I am capable of, the higher my self-worth becomes. I get to see my accomplishments, big, small, tall, and tiny. They all matter.
- I want to make healthier choices
What if I don’t feel like it? That’s okay. By starting small and engaging my body even when I don’t feel ready, I short-circuit self-sabotaging thought patterns and behaviors that keep me from getting active in the first place. Using body positive modalities is a way to engage myself in positive self-talk and create a cascade of healthy choices from the outside in.
*************************************************************************************************************
Kristen Donia is a freelance writer living in a tiny house she built in sunny Southern Oregon. She has a Bachelors Degree in Education and has dedicated her life to studying and writing about empathy, vulnerability and enriching the human experience.