Life often feels busy, which makes incorporating healthy habits like exercise into our day feel like just another item to check off the to-do list, if we even get to it. Or, your workout time turns into an internal monologue of other things you need to do, taking your attention away from what your body is accomplishing during your workout. Integrating mindfulness into your exercise routine can take workouts from a chore to a powerful and fulfilling experience, compounding the benefits that exercise already provides.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. You seek to be more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations, which encourages a deeper connection with your body. Practicing mindfulness during exercise can help enhance your workout effectiveness as well as the enjoyment you get out of the activity.
Tips to Help Yourself Be More Mindful During Exercises
- Start with Breath Awareness – Before you begin a movement or activity, take a moment to focus on your breathing. Inhale deeply, allowing your chest to expand, and exhale slowly. This type of grounding activity helps put you in a good mindset for a mindful workout.
- Engage Your Senses: Pay attention to what is going on around you: the rhythm of your breath, the feeling of your feet on the ground, the sounds of your fellow gym-goers. Actively engaging as many senses as possible can help you stay anchored in the present.
- Focus on Movement: Resist the temptation to let your mind wander and instead concentrate on each movement you make. Take note of how your muscles engage and how your body feels during your workout.
- Practice Body Scanning: Regularly check in with your body during your exercise. If you notice any areas of discomfort or tension, adjust your movements accordingly. This helps you to be better in tune with your body, which can fend off injury.
- Reflect: After your workout is complete, stop to reflect on how you felt physically and mentally. This can deepen your understanding of your body and help you enhance future workouts.
Remember that while mindfulness is often associated with exercise such as yoga (and yoga is a great place to start your mindful exercise journey), you can practice it during any workout. Start your exploration of mindful exercise by joining us at Vickery’s Sweat Shop today.