My teenage son left home to join Job Corps this week. He'll be learning a trade...and much more. Job Corps participants live on a sort of campus where weekday life is guided by a disciplined regimen: wake-up call at 6:15, breakfast at 6:30, a "P. E." routine outdoors in all weather at 7:30, then work-based learning from 8 to 4. During leisure time participants can use the pool hall/game room, work out in the gym, hike the nearby trails or shoot hoops. There's a TV room but no access to Facebook or online gaming. Kids check email once a day but don't have unlimited computer time.
It's a far different life from the one he left behind. He seems to be enjoying it - he's ready to move into a more adult way of being. I believe that a large part of his mental shift is due to his new physical routine. Its outdoorsy vigor has readied him for mental, emotional and social challenges in a way that positive thinking, affirmations, elaborate visualizations or planning would not have been able to do.
It's been true for me as well. Whenever I've been stuck in a rut, movement is often what gets me unstuck. Sometimes it's been as simple as taking the dog for an additional walk each day. Last week I began jump-starting each workday with a very brisk walk with the dog, followed by 20 minutes of yoga. Since I do this around 6:30-7, I feel like I'm exercising "in spirit" with Noel and his classmates.
I've noticed that during times when I've regularly started the day with a burst of enjoyable physical activity, I tend to keep going at a good (but not manic) pace. I don't "need" as much coffee, and I don't fall into the usual post-lunch slump at work.
If you're frustrated by your lack of progress on your dream project or if you feel pushed around by obligations, try starting your day with half an hour of walking, swimming, biking or whatever stirs you. In addition, work in smaller bursts of movement throughout the day: walk to Starbucks instead of driving the 5 blocks from the office; take the stairs instead of the elevator; take a "roam the hall" break if you have a sedentary job, or a deep-stretch break if you're on your feet all day. Without even thinking about your project, you may find that your head clears and ideas start flowing again.
There are many excellent resources available to help people who want a more active life. One of my favorites is Fit After Forty by Dr. Pamela Peeke. Non-readers might prefer workouts on DVD. Cruise your library or bookstore to find out what's right for you.
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