A new reason to get on the mat or trail.

The ups and downs of spring weather can really take our motivation on a rollercoaster ride.  Sometimes an extra intention or reason can help.  For me this season, it’s my immune system.  

Like many people, I’ve always loved the idea of turning to natural remedies after you get sick: ginger, mint, massage…  But lately I’ve been reading up on the immune system and how food/movement can help us before we get sick. It’s all about consistency, not perfection.  And this falls into a motivational sweet spot for me!  There are foods that help with inflammation and immunity, and foods that don’t.  If we are consistent with our food choices (not perfect - just consistent), it really helps to front-load our immune system.  

The same is true for movement!  Moving breath through the body pushes oxygen and nutrients through our tissues.  You don’t have to imagine a skinny marathon runner.  Imagine you, yoga breathing!  When we contract a muscle, it works like a mini-pump for the fluid lymph nearby.  Moving our muscles moves fluid lymph through the lymphatic system, preventing illness.  You don’t have to imagine a gym weight lifter.  Imagine you, walking for 10 minutes!  If we consistently move breath and fluids through the body, we are really helping to front-load our immune system. 

Relying on our motivation is tough, especially in the spring. But setting an intention to be consistent (not perfect) with movement and food because it front-loads the immune system, hits a sweet spot for me.  The image of intentionally moving breath and fluids through my body puts a smile on my face and feels empowering. In the spring, feeling empowered might be even better than feeling motivated!

Until next time,

Laura