Today's teaching is going to be short, but the principle is very deep. If you internalize this principle -- AND RESHAPE YOUR LIFE TO ALIGN WITH IT -- it will change your life. I know this, because it has changed mine.

Here is the principle:

An underactive body creates an overactive brain.

If you have an "overactive brain" -- meaning, if you are stressed out, worried about things, over-thinking -- the first thing to look at is whether you are getting enough physical movement in. Are you walking, running, working in the yard outside, lifting weights, swimming … etc., etc.?

If you are not doing those things … get outside! Move around! Work up a sweat somehow … anyhow! Do this for a few days. 

Almost every time, this will NOTICEABLY reduce your stress level.

Of course, there are no guarantees. Sometimes things are happening in your life that are super-stressful, and they need to be dealt with. No amount of physical movement will fix an issue that needs your action to be resolved. I'm not suggesting physical movement as a form of procrastination!

BUT … most of us will find that most of the time, if we get into a pattern of physical inactivity, we will be much more susceptible to stress and anxiety. And changing our physiology will change our mood and mindset.

Here's how Rebecca Lyons puts it (I don't know the source … this quote was sent to me in an email):

An underactive body creates an overactive brain

Let me say it one more time: An underactive body creates an overactive brain.

Are you finding yourself feeling anxious, racing thoughts, and awake at 3am? Try implementing a 10 minute walk tomorrow morning, and then another one tomorrow evening.

When we get enough rhythmic movement in our days it can calm an over sensitized stress response system.

Daily movement has helped me so much in my journey with anxiety and I think it can help you too!

NEXT ACTION:

Today's action step is especially applicable for you if you do NOT currently have consistent habits of physical movement / exercise. Some of you already have this in place … and if so, just keep it up. But if you do not, make some changes for the next week, and see what happens. 

Once again, to be clear, the type of movement is not as important as the fact that you do SOMETHING. That you get active. Ideally work up a sweat. Ideally do something outside. But anything is better than nothing. Do something physical. Get moving. And watch what happens to your stress level!