Why Joyful Movement is good for your menopause

Joyful movement emphasises physical activity that brings pleasure and satisfaction when participating in it. It is a way to move the body that is free from the constraints of traditional exercise routines and instead focuses on finding activities that bring joy and happiness when performing them. This approach to movement is gaining popularity as more and more people realise the benefits of incorporating joyful movement into their daily lives. Joyful movement in menopause can bring more mindfulness into movement, by helping us to slow down, and increase connections to self and the environment around us.

The Benefits of Joyful Movement

There are many benefits to incorporating joyful movement into your life, including positive impacts on physical and mental health, and overall wellbeing. Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve overall physical fitness and provides symptom relief in menopause. Joyful movement is particularly effective at encouraging regular physical activity, as people are more likely to engage in activities that they enjoy. In fact, joyful movement is principle 9 of 10 of intuitive eating principles by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, pioneers of intuitive eating and healthy at every size movements.

Joyful Movement and Physical Health

Joyful movement can make a significant improvement in physical health. Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen bones and muscles, and boost the immune system. It also lowers insulin levels and improves metabolism by increasing muscle mass. However, many people struggle to find motivation to engage in regular exercise routines that feel like a chore or obligation. It provides an alternative to traditional exercise and encourages people to find activities that they enjoy and that feel good to their bodies. This can make physical activity feel less like a burden and more like a fun and enjoyable way to move the body. As a result, people are more likely to engage in regular physical activity when it feels joyful and pleasurable. Movement in menopause can be very challenging when sleep deprived and fatigued. By tapping into movement you enjoy, even just 10 minutes a day to start with, will benefit your physical health.

Joyful Movement and Mental Health

Joyful movement can also make a significant difference in mental health. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improve mood, and boost self-esteem. It can provide an opportunity to connect with others, which can be beneficial for mental health and social support and builds motivation, lowering overall stress and increasing happiness. Connecting with others during the menopause years is important to combat the loneliness that menopause can bring, as well as improving stress levels and emotional symptoms.

Joyful Movement and Overall Wellbeing

Joyful movement can make a difference in overall wellbeing by providing a way to connect with the body and mind. When people engage in physical activity that feels good and brings them pleasure, they are more likely to be present in the moment and enjoy the experience. This can be a form of mindfulness and self-care, which can have a positive impact on overall wellbeing.

Additionally, joyful movement can help people connect with their bodies and develop a positive relationship with physical activity. When people engage in physical activity that feels good and enjoyable, they are more likely to view physical activity as a positive and beneficial part of their lives. This can lead to a long-term commitment to regular physical activity, which can have significant benefits for overall health and wellbeing.

How to Incorporate Joyful Movement into Your Life

Incorporating joyful movement into your life is relatively simple. The first step is to identify activities that bring you joy and happiness. This could be anything from dancing to hiking to playing a sport. The key is to find activities that you genuinely enjoy and that make you feel good.

Once you have identified activities that bring you joy, the next step is to make them a regular part of your routine. This could mean scheduling time in your calendar for physical activity or finding ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine. For example, you could choose to walk or ride your bike to work instead of driving or take the stairs instead of the elevator.

It is also important to remember that joyful movement should be a source of pleasure and enjoyment. It should not feel like a chore or something that you have to do. If an activity no longer feels enjoyable or is causing pain or discomfort, it is important to reassess and find a new activity that brings you joy.

Examples of Joyful Movement

There are many different types of joyful movement, and the key is to find activities that feel fun and enjoyable to you. Here are some examples of joyful movement that you might want to try:

Dancing: Dancing is a great way to get your body moving and improve cardiovascular health. It can also be a fun way to express yourself and connect with others.

Hiking: Hiking is a great way to get outside and explore nature while also engaging in physical activity. It can be a great way to clear your mind and reduce stress.

Swimming: Swimming is a low-impact form of exercise that is easy on the joints. It can be a fun way to cool off on a hot day and improve overall physical fitness.

Playing a Sport: Playing a sport is a great way to engage in physical activity while also having fun and connecting with others. It can be a great way to build teamwork skills and improve overall physical fitness.

Incorporating joyful movement into your life is a great way to improve physical and mental health while also having fun and enjoying life. By finding activities that bring you joy, you will be more likely to continue making them a part of your daily routine.