The magic of moving
It has been a while since I have blogged and one reason is that I have been out on my bike training for this week’s London to Brighton Bike ride, which took place on Sunday 15th June.
Over 28,000 cyclists took part in one of the UK’s most iconic cycle challenges. Did I manage the Beacon? Well if managing it is getting to the top then I achieved that…oh on my bike…er not quite…I tackled a ¼ of it and next year I plan on reaching the top on my saddle!
What a refreshing number of people when we are fast becoming a nation of people who seemed to have stopped moving! Over the last century, decade after decade, with every technological innovation, we have relieved ourselves of the burden of physical labour. Take for example, an activity such as washing clothes. Only since the late 1950s, when the washing machine was invented, would such a task seem simple. Before that you would’ve had to use a tub that held the water, move the clothes around by hand and then do the rinse and spinning cycles by hand too! How exhausting! L Due to the invention of technology, the day to day activities that required us to exert our bodies in a naturally consistent way have been replaced with sitting and more sitting. Now all we have to do is press a button and the TV comes on, the washing machine starts, the garage door opens and the dishwasher cleans our pots…but there is no button that substitutes for good old fashioned movement…and the multitude of benefits it can provide!
I have always felt an obligation to exercise as I knew it was good for me…and up until the last year spent much of my time in a gym indulging this obligation! A positive turning point came when over a glass of vino my good friend suggested doing the bike ride together…initially I choked on my wine as at the time I didn’t even own a bike and the thought of cycling on the road for a couple of seconds terrified me..let alone for 54 miles! It sounds dramatic, yet that suggestion has changed my life for the better and had a knock on effect that I could never have imagined! J
In psychology we know that having a hobby can have positive benefits for our overall well-being. Hobbies provide a slice of work-free and responsibility-free time in your schedule. This can be especially welcome for people who feel overwhelmed by all that they have to do, and need to recharge their batteries by doing something they enjoy. For those who feel overwhelmed by responsibility, it may be difficult to find the time or give yourself permission to take a break from a busy schedule and just sit and relax. Engaging in hobbies, however, can provide a break with a purpose, which can help you feel that they’re not just ‘sitting around’, but you’re using your down time for something productive. Either way, hobbies provide a nice break in a busy week.
Training for the bike ride provided a refreshing start to my day. My dad and I would train at 6am and when you live on the south coast, you have access to breath taking scenery, and therefore it was an opportunity to spend time together, gain exercise, fresh air and beautiful views! A multitude of benefits! J
For those who aren’t overly stressed, and may actually be under-stimulated, hobbies also provide a nice source of eustress, the healthy kind of stress that we all need to remain feeling excited about life. If the rest of your life is somewhat dull or uninspiring, hobbies can provide meaning and fun, and can break up a boring schedule, without feeling like work. In other words, hobbies can provide just the right amount of challenge.
We also struggle to praise our own achievements as Brits too..another mechanism that is so important for our capacity to bounce back when things get tough in life..and engaging in an activity like the L2B was filled with praise. It creates an opportunity for your nearest and dearest to sponsor you and show their support, the change in how you feel, your fitness levels and your health is an acknowledgment of your achievements from your body! I will not forget turning the corner on the last stretch at Brighton Marina and seeing the sea of gorgeous faces…including that of my younger brother.. to applaud our arrival into Brighton…wow! We slowed down so we could soak up the moment…well worth those 54 miles and the pain in our legs!
It may not be cycling for you…yet there is so much that can be gained from moving around more, alongside creating a hobby that provides meaning and vitality in your life…and also provides that distraction from the hustle and bustle that can overwhelm us at times and gives you a sense of satisfaction and pride in yourself!
I would love to hear how you move and the positive benefits for you so please tweet or comment on the blog if you want to share! J
Enjoy!!