By Katie Sotack
Admit it: technology has become an addiction. It’s easy to get lost trying to grow your following on social media. You’ve maybe gotten so wrapped up in a game on your iPad you’ve forgotten to wash your work clothes for the next morning, too. Consumers are reclaiming fitness as a time to disconnect and recommit to health. The gym, which had become flooded with big screens and Fitbits, has now become a place to find solitude.
As technology integrates further into our lives, how can we achieve mindfulness through this unplugged fitness trend?
Mindfulness is the act of bringing one’s attention to the current moment. Psychologists recommend it as a way to deal with emotional distress and to live life to its fullest. The task has become increasingly more challenging as we’ve become more attuned to our screens and less invested in the physical space around us. Here’s some fitness advice to help you unplug and lead a healthier life:
1. Go harder: To maximize a full workout, mindfulness is essential. The presence of a phone or other distraction limits the workout by dividing attention and providing a slower tempo for movement. It’s suggested that songs with high BPM (beats per minute) increase the speed of a workout. Plus, with distraction comes bad form. Give your body the respect it deserves by focusing on structure and engaging muscle groups, ultimately disconnecting from life and experiencing a workout your health and the impact of the workout.
2. Breathing: 2019 has seen an increase in breath-focused fitness like yoga and swimming. A key component to mindfulness is meditation, which largely focuses on breathwork. Exercises that stress the importance of deep and measured breath will aid in focusing the mind. The ‘breathe through the pain’ mantra of yoga will bleed into everyday life. Even emotional challenges will feel less stressful as you take measured breaths to remain calm. Plus, there’s the added benefit of regular exercise, which leads to increased endorphins. By participating in an exercise that emphasizes breathing, a person will increase their mood and decrease their waistline simultaneously.
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3. Fatigue: Constant tiredness may be brought on by stress, chronic pain, or trouble sleeping. A mindful workout, which focuses on a strong mind-body connection, will alleviate all of the above. Psychologists use the connection to adjust lifestyles and attitudes. When a person is cognizant of their entire being, emotional wounds and physical pains begin to heal. This phenomenon happens by processing our emotions and therefore healing that which plagues us. A mindful workout is a great start to both emotional and physical health (and should exercise alone work for you, it’s a lot cheaper than never-ending doctor’s appointments).
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4. Alertness: A downside to our constant internet connection is that we as a species have become horribly unaware. People cross busy Manhattan streets without looking up from the movie on their phone. Friends’ voices have become background noises to our texting. Taking an hour a day to workout unplugged reminds us that it is possible and can feel amazing. Ever heard of runner’s high? The endorphins of a full-fledged mindful workout are off the charts. You’ll feel superhuman, pushing your body and mind to the limits and not caring about the time spent away from your screen. Plus, a strong mind-body connection makes people more aware in everyday life. You’ll begin to pick up on details your brain had been filtering out as well as upping your quick-witted banter skills.
How do you emphasize a mind-body connection? Share in the comments below!
