Feeling blocked, unmotivated and uninspired? Part 3: Get Moving!

Welcome to Part 3 of my mini post series about how to deal with feeling blocked, unmotivated, uninspired or just plain stuck in a rut.  Today's focus is on GET MOVING   

As Olivia Newton John said:  “Let’s get Physical” 
In my last post we talked about using play-time. In this post we are going to talk a bit about getting out, stretching and exercising to shake things up!

Have you ever noticed when you feel a creativity block, you might also feel physically blocked too? Your body feels a bit stiffer, you may be slouching, and even your breathing may be more shallow than normal.

Just like physical activity is good for the body it is also a powerful stimulator for the brain too.

The importance of physical exercise for the healthy brain is discussed on Positscience.com:
According to a study done by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Georgia, even briefly exercising for 20 minutes facilitates information processing and memory function.

“The benefits of physical exercise, especially aerobic exercise, have positive effects on brain function on multiple fronts, ranging from the molecular to behavioral level."
 

Here are a five ways to help activate your Body and Brain: 

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1.  DANCING: 
Ever tried square dancing, ballroom, or salsa?  I remember one time talking a newbie waltzing class and we all had so much fun learning the steps, gliding across the floor and em-pathetically laughing and encouraging each other to get better.   My mind felt lighter after the class and I felt inspired to try other new things.

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2.  SPORTS: 
What about shooting some basketball hoops or learning a martial art? How about grabbing your bike and going for a ride? Hit the Tennis courts and or even go hit a bucket of balls at the Golf Course.

Soon you will be visualizing wiping out those frustrations and blocks as you kick and chop your way into a better state of mind. 

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3.  HOLISTIC MOVEMENT:
Feeling stressed and blocked? Try some physical activity that helps to calm your body and mind at the same time. 
Whether it is Tai Chi or Yoga, this type of activity offers a wonderful solution to helping you break out of mental stiffness. 

Within the Yoga Journal, I found this post: 
A New Look at Yoga: Playing the Edge of Mind & Body
"The common phrase "up tight" is ordinarily used to describe a mental state. When you are up tight you can notice how the body is also physically tightening. These habitual body tensions that over years bring about stiffness are the repository of internalized mental states. 
Opening up in physical Yoga opens you up mentally and opening up mentally aids in the opening of the body."

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4.  STUCK IN YOUR OFFICE?
If you can't get away from your desk, you can still do movement therapy right in your chair to help you. Stretching is one of my favorite quick fixes. 

You will be surprised at how much better you will feel mentally and physically when you try doing some long slow stretching. 


Lift your arms up- Stretch your back- Roll your shoulders 


Be sure to also focus on taking deep breaths as you do each stretch. 

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5. BRAIN EXERCISES:  
Back school, to keep us engaged during long hours of classes and studying, one our professors taught us some brain awaking exercises. 

Here is one of the brain exercises I learned that helped a lot:

This is from PACE - A Routine taught by Prof. Kinesiology Practitioner

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Remember a body in motion tends to stay in motion, and this same rule applies to your mind. 
So take action right now and try out one of the actions mentioned in this post, and soon you will find with a flexible body comes a flexible brain too.

Feel free to share in the comments section what physical activities have really helped you break out of a mental rut.
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In the fourth and final part of this Blog series - We will talk about reaching out and sharing with others can help you break out of a mental block. 

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MORE RECOMMENDED READS: 
Part 1: Feeling blocked?  Get Inspired
Part 2: Feeling blocked?  Go Play

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