No time for the gym? Try these 4 Jedi Mind Tricks

The mind-body connection is powerful.  Studies show our movements and thoughts impact our health significantly. 
 
Did you know you can shift your mood or boost your immune system with something as simple as sitting up straight in a chair? 
 
A study found that those who had good posture during a mock job interview reported less stress, more confidence and better moods versus those that slumped.  Better posture equals better blood flow and less stress on the heart. 
 
Most of us exercise regularly because of the known health benefits and for stress relief.  When we can’t get to the gym, any guilt we feel over missing a workout can put extra stress on us.
 
It’s time to stop those self-sabotaging thoughts.  There are many activities you do daily that give you the same health benefits of exercise that you may not be aware of. 

Here are 4 ways to experience less stress and the benefits of a workout without breaking a sweat.

POWER POSE
 
Research shows standing in a Power Pose for 2 minutes boosts your confidence and mood.

A Power Pose is when you have your arms and chest open such as in Wonder Woman pose (hands on hips and feet apart) or arms open in a Victory position like you just won a race.
 
Start doing power poses before you try something new, before your next big meeting, or just as a pick me up when you are feeling low energy.

You’ll feel more confident, focused, and energized similar to what you experience after a strength training workout.

POWER OF BELIEF 

Do you believe you exercise enough?  Studies show that if you believe you are exercising enough, your body will show the health benefits and vice versa. 

A 4 week study found that when participants were told their work of cleaning hotel rooms was good exercise and met the requirement of an active lifestyle, they all showed a decrease in weight, blood pressure, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index compared to the control group. 

It’s the placebo effect in action as nothing else had changed except their belief that their work was a form of exercise.

If you believe you aren't exercising enough compared to others, then it creates mental stress which can impact your health and body mass index.  The key is to think positively daily that you are and have done enough in terms of exercise and taking care of your body. 

It helps to re-frame how you see exercise and realize your daily activities and work tasks do count as part of your daily exercise requirements.  All movement counts.  Shoot, I guess that means dusting counts as a workout.
 
POWER OF LAUGHTER

Laughing boosts your mood and your immune system but it also gives you some of the same health benefits of exercise.  It increases blood flow to your tissue as well as increases your heart rate. 

Everyone knows how a good belly laugh is a great abdominal workout. It can also help with pain.

Norman Cousins shared in his book, Anatomy of an Illness, that 10 minutes of watching a comedy gave him 2 hours of pain free sleep.   

If you can’t get to the gym, watch a comedy or hang out with that friend who makes you laugh.  You can also try a Laughter Yoga class.  Yes, it exists.
 
POWER OF A SMILE 

Smile more even if you have to fake it because the act of smiling improves your mood by producing endorphins like exercise. 

You’re going for a smile that makes your eyes crinkle to get the most benefits.  Smiling in the mirror is an even more powerful exercise.
 
Which one of these techniques are you going to try the next time you don’t have time for a traditional workout? 

Shifting how you think about exercise can play a huge role in your overall health and how long you live. 

You’re worth it! 
Mollie

P.S.  Grab your FREE Download of the Head to Toe Posture Checklist to help you strike your best Power Pose!