Movement Creates Energy

Most sedentary people, when they feel tired, rest.   It seems like a logical solution.  But, in fact, energy is not created by rest.

Energy is created by movement– both physical movement and emotional “movement”.

I got a great taste of this truth today.  I stayed up very late working last night– much too late because this morning I had to get up and go to the recording studio ALL DAY to record new lessons for my members.

As you might imagine, I felt tired when I woke up.  And I continued to feel tired as I walked to the studio.  Even worse, I felt grumpy– and in no mood at all to record lessons… especially because my members now expect super high-energy lessons from me.

I shuffled along down the street… waking up a little but still feeling bad.

When I got to the studio, I was still feeling tired and irritable.  I thought, “today’s lessons are going to suck!”

I shuffled into the recording booth.

And then something amazing happened.  I started jumping up and down to break my miserable emotional pattern.   I pumped my fist.  I said, “Yes!” loudly.   I bobbed and bounced like a boxer.  And then I launched into the first lesson.. conjuring all of my energy and passion.

As I spoke, I stood on my toes and continued bobbing.   I raised my voice.  I shouted.  Then I whispered.  I moved my face– making exaggerated facial expressions as I told a story.

By the end of the first 20 minute lesson, I was pumped full of energy.  I felt fantastic.  I was smiling and laughing.

This feeling lasted the entire 6 hours I was in the recording studio….  and continued for the rest of the evening and night.

Today I showed myself that I was totally in control of my emotional and physical energy.   I quickly transformed my energy level by moving–  I moved my face:  huge smile, rapid and exaggerated expressions.  I moved my body:  jumping, bobbing, bouncing, pumping my fist.  I moved my voice:  yelling, whispering, booming with my voice.

I changed my posture, my tone, my gestures, my expressions, and my breathing completely. And in an instant, I went from tired and grumpy to energized and excited.

When we are tired, what we usually need is MORE, not less, movement.  Our bodies are not usually tired from activity… rather, they are drained of vitality as a result of a sedentary life.

Movement is the key to energy.  Movement is the key to passion, enthusiasm, and excitement.

So, next time you feel tired– don’t rest.  Instead:  Jump, shout, run, laugh, grin from ear to ear, and act like a wild crazy person.  Try it for 20 minutes– it will completely transform your day.