From Overexercise to Mindful Movement

Mindful Movement Audio/Visual Here

I am a recovered exercise addict.    I live in Southern California, where there is an abundance of superficiality and appearances, so it is easy to hide overexercise.    I was an avid long-distance runner who discovered tremendous reduction in anxiety after a great run.   I felt present, centered and balanced for the first time.    However, I relied on exercise as my SOLE anxiety-reducer, and it came at a cost.    I ran seven days a week, and the thought of having a “rest day” seemed like a good thing for other people, but not me.    I discovered that my exercise routine was interfering with my sleep, as I would make time for it each morning, even if it meant getting up a

t 2 or 3 AM.   That was red-flag #1.   I ran outdoors (instead of a treadmill), and on one occasion our city officials asked people to stay inside due to “harmful air” due to some wildfires in the area.    I thought to myself, “how bad can it be?” and soon learned how bad it was.  I returned from my run coughing as if I just smoked a pack of cigarettes.    I knew that I was doing the wrong thing because I hid it.   I could not admit to others that I had used exercise to hurt my body, not help it.    That afternoon, I drove to my dad’s house and asked him to hide my tennis shoes.   I would mot see those tennis shoes again for over three years. 

In the all-or-nothing, black and white thinking I was experiencing, the thought of mindful movement seemed out of reach, and impossible.

As a former skeptic, turned advocate of mindful movement, I would love to share the journey and ways to incorporate mindful movement in your life.

In the journey of recovery from an eating disorder or disordered eating, finding harmony between the mind and body is essential. One powerful tool in this journey is mindful movement. While exercise might have once been associated with punishment or control, mindful movement offers a new perspective—one rooted in self-care, self-awareness, and compassion. In this blog post, we'll explore what mindful movement is, why it's crucial for individuals impacted by eating disorders, and practical ways to incorporate it into daily life.

What is Mindful Movement? Mindful movement involves engaging in physical activity with full awareness of the body, sensations, and breath. Unlike traditional exercise, which may focus solely on burning calories or achieving a certain physique, mindful movement emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. It's about tuning into how movement feels rather than fixating on external goals.

Why is Mindful Movement Important? For those affected by eating disorders, exercise can often be a source of distress or a means of compensating for food intake. However, cultivating a mindful approach to movement can transform exercise into a positive and nourishing experience. Here's why mindful movement is crucial:

1. Reconnecting with the Body: Eating disorders can create a disconnect between the mind and body. Mindful movement helps bridge this gap by fostering a deeper awareness of bodily sensations and signals.

2. Cultivating Self-Compassion: Instead of pushing the body to its limits, mindful movement encourages self-compassion and gentleness. It's about listening to the body's needs and honoring its limits without judgment.

3. Managing Stress and Anxiety: Physical activity, when practiced mindfully, can be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety. By focusing on the present moment during movement, individuals can find relief from intrusive thoughts and worries.

4. Building a Positive Relationship with Exercise: Mindful movement shifts the focus from external outcomes to internal experiences. This shift can help individuals develop a healthier relationship with exercise, free from guilt or compulsion.

Incorporating Mindful Movement into Your Life: Ready to embrace mindful movement in your recovery journey? Here are some practical tips for incorporating it into your daily life:

1. Start Small: Begin with gentle activities that feel enjoyable and sustainable, such as walking, yoga, or tai chi. Focus on how these activities make you feel rather than how many calories you're burning.

2. Tune into Sensations: Pay attention to the sensations in your body as you move. Notice the rhythm of your breath, the feeling of your muscles stretching and contracting, and any areas of tension or discomfort.

3. Practice Mindful Breathing: Use your breath as an anchor for mindfulness during movement. Take slow, deep breaths as you engage in physical activity, allowing each inhale and exhale to guide your movements.

4. Let Go of Judgment: Release the urge to compare yourself to others or to your own expectations. Remember that mindful movement is about acceptance and self-compassion, regardless of your fitness level or ability.

5. Be Flexible and Adaptive: Listen to your body's cues and adjust your activity level accordingly. Some days you may feel energized and eager to move, while other days you may need rest and recovery. Honor these fluctuations without judgment.

Mindful movement offers a pathway to healing and self-discovery for individuals impacted by eating disorders or disordered eating. By approaching physical activity with awareness, compassion, and acceptance, it's possible to cultivate a positive relationship with movement and reconnect with the body's innate wisdom. Remember, the journey towards recovery is unique to each individual, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way. Embrace mindful movement as a tool for nourishing both your body and soul. 

If you are like me and you could benefit from guardrails. I ask myself – would I allow my child to do this?    As mentioned in the opening story, I would NOT allow my child to run outside when there is air quality so poor, the health agency issued warnings.     Why would I allow myself to?

Here's to movement for the mind, body and soul!