Joyful Movement by Molly Hawke, MD

Most of us know that physical activity has been widely correlated with a reduction in depression and anxiety.  According to researchers, the general recommendation is for 30-60 minutes a day of physical activity on 3-5 times each week.  More recently, achieving this recommendation by going to a gym or fitness facility has become literally impossible as most are closed for the foreseeable future.

What we often take for granted are the health benefits of less structured physical activity, such as walking, cleaning, playing, dancing, gardening, and meditative movements, like stretching and yoga.  All of these can be done now, at home, whenever you have time, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

What I hope many of you can put aside right now are the "traditional" motivators for exercise, which include:  burning a certain number of calories, changing body shape or size (losing weight), and "earning" certain foods or "working off" certain foods.

Instead, use joyful movement to enjoy connecting with your body and to relieve stress.  You can do it with friends, family, or alone for however long feels good to you.  Your body will thank you for it.