As a former college athlete, I’ve always understood the power of movement. Yet, life’s demands, particularly caring for my parents through their health challenges, shifted my focus. I had to learn to redefine what movement meant to me beyond high performance. It was no longer about pushing limits, but about cultivating sustainable well-being for a long, healthy life.
From Frustration to Foundational Habit: My Journey Back to Consistent Movement
There were times when I felt frustrated, not comfortable in my body, struggling with coming to terms with my body’s changes and the difficulty of maintaining a consistent routine. Life caring for my parents was demanding, unpredictable and lonely. I had to learn to adapt and adjust, but it was far from easy. I kept going back to my old ways instead of meeting myself where I was at in the moment.
I had to take a step back. I needed to get my mind right, which took longer than I anticipated, and take a closer look at what got me to that point. In the past, fitness and exercise always came easy to me. Being an athlete was my identity, but at this time, I had no idea who I was or what I identified with. I started going to therapy to manage my grief, the people I surrounded myself with shifted, and I did a lot of inner work to try and connect with the life I wanted to cultivate in this new chapter.
Eventually, I stopped chasing the athlete I once was and started building a foundation for long-term health. Watching my parents battle terminal illnesses ended up being a blessing for how I wanted to live my life. Witnessing my parents’ battle with terminal illnesses unexpectedly transformed my outlook on life and how I wanted to live it. This experience shifted my focus from performance goals to daily and weekly actions that aligned with my desired way of life.
This is what I focused on first. This will vary from one person to the next, but given my headspace at the time, I needed to pull back and take a different approach than before.
- Stretching and Mobility: Instead of demanding intense workouts, I prioritized daily stretching and mobility exercises. This wasn’t about flexibility for a specific pose, but about maintaining joint health and preventing injury as I aged.
- Consistent Walks and Hikes: I reconnected with nature through regular walks and hikes. This provided both physical activity and mental clarity, a crucial balance during stressful times.
- Mindful Meditation: I incorporated daily meditation to manage stress and cultivate mental resilience. This became as essential as any physical exercise.
Movement became about building a sustainable, adaptable routine that supported my overall health, not just physical performance.
The Foundational Benefits: Beyond the Physical, Towards Longevity
My focus shifted from trying to come out “on top” like I did in sports, and health and fitness became about increasing my well-being. I saw firsthand the importance of health span, not just lifespan. The benefits of consistent movement became clear:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Consistent movement and meditation helped regulate my sleep patterns, leading to more restful nights.
- Stress Management: Regular physical activity and mindfulness practices became essential tools for managing the stress of caregiving.
- Enhanced Mental Clarity: Movement and meditation helped maintain focus and cognitive function, crucial during challenging times.
- Functional Strength: Maintaining functional strength became more important than chasing peak performance. This allowed me to stay active and independent.
My body adapted, not to fit a specific mold, but to support a life of sustained well-being.
Finding Your Foundation: Building Sustainable Movement Habits
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to movement, especially as we navigate life’s various stages. It’s about finding what supports your long-term health and well-being.
- Prioritize Function Over Form: Focus on activities that maintain functional strength and mobility.
- Incorporate Mindfulness: Integrate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress and enhance mental clarity.
- Build Consistency: Focus on building sustainable habits that fit your lifestyle, rather than chasing fleeting fitness trends.
- Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to your body’s signals and prioritize rest and recovery.
We don’t need to chase unrealistic ideals or force ourselves into unsustainable routines. We deserve to build a foundation of movement that supports our long-term health and well-being. Let’s focus on building habits that nourish our bodies and minds, allowing us to live energetic, fulfilling lives.
Are you ready to build your foundation for longevity? Let’s start together. Click the link below to schedule a free discovery call.
