Today's guest on the Happy Heart Blog is Natalie Clopton. I have known Natalie for what feels like my whole life. Growing up, she was my older sister's best friend, which essentially made her like an older sister to me. Natalie is full of energy, compassion, joy, and SO much love for the people around her. I am so excited for Natalie to share her story with all of you today! It's a good one, so get excited!
When Mallory asked me to talk about this - I physically jumped for joy. Physical health for mental health is my BATTLE CRY.
Excuse the dramatics, but hang with me here, it’s gonna get good.
I gained 50 pounds in 5 months which led to anxiety, depression, loneliness, emotional eating, and eventually binge eating disorder. Yikes.
With the help of therapy, friends, and family, I overcame my emotional struggles, lost the weight, and am happier than ever.
If you are struggling, I’m here to tell you that you can and will overcome it. <3
So what is “Physical Health?”
Physical health is movement.
Going on a walk, stretching, lifting weights, cardio, playing with your baby...if your body is movin’, you’re getting physical.
Movement does not have to be an expensive class or a fancy home gym. Movement can happen ANYWHERE, and it will change your life.
Here’s why:
It’s our natural stress reliever.
Pardon being obvious, but today’s society is stressful, (can I get an Amen?).
What does stress make us want to do? Curl up in a ball & hide and/or eat a pint of ice cream.
The one thing that combats stress is the opposite of our natural desires… movement!
There is truly no better self-care than moving your body.
Action: Next time you're feeling down, set a 10 minute timer and put your phone on Do Not Disturb. Take a walk outside or pick up around your house. Not only will you feel accomplished, but you’ll feel relaxed, too.
It pushes the good chemicals to the brain.
Elle Woods said it best, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."
Physical activity helps bump up the production of your brain's feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. (Mayo Clinic)
Think of it as your body sending you a big “THANK YOU” everytime you exercise.
Action: If something is stressing you out that you can’t seem to shake, stick your headphones in and do 50 jumping jacks, 20 squats and 10 pushups. Repeat as necessary until your thoughts are cleared!
It builds confidence.
Physical health not only makes you feel stronger, more accomplished, and successful, but it also tacks on confidence better than any Instagram filter.
I don’t know about you, but my confidence level after binge watching Friends and eating an entire bag of Doritos is a heck of a lot lower than when I’m walking my puppy and closing my Apple Watch rings for the day.
Action: Moving your body. Drink water. Put on a cute outfit that makes you feel pretty. #lookgoodfeelgood
It’s physics.
Isaac Newton said it best:
“An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion”
Replace “”object” with “body” and you’ve got:
“A body at rest stays at rest and a body in motion stays in motion”
Maybe it’s the nerd in me, but I think this is the coolest thing!! Consistency is key.
The more you move your body, the more your body will want to move.
The more your body moves, the happier you will feel.
The happier you feel, the better your life will be. :)
It’s a beautiful domino effect!
Action: Set time in your calendar everyday to do something active. You’ll be surprised how your body will crave movement once you create the habit!
So, friends, I hope you find this helpful. I pray that you are fired up to move your body and in turn find happiness and positivity in life. YOU ARE WORTH IT.
Happy and healthy,
Natalie
Let’s be best friends!
Follow my journey and sign up for my newsletter at www.natalieclopton.com
Instagram: @natalieclopton
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