For so many of us, stress is a constant presence…With shorter days, a historical election, and the beginning of the holiday season rush, things are bound to get over-heated. To help prevent stress-related decombustion, I’d like to re-share one of my most helpful inspirational tidbits from a wise Mojo friend who was going through a devastating time in her life…When I checked in with her, I was encouraged and honored to learn that Mojo’s LIVE and Online classes are a regular staple on her journey (music to my ears!).
“Mojo has been a lifeline. It’s one thing I do that allows my brain a brief break. I also get strength knowing other people in our community are fighting challenges along with me. I always feel so much better afterward.”
When I responded with an encouraging, “Just take it one day at a time”, she kindly corrected me and said “Forget one day at a time. I’m living one moment at a time.”
She then shared a life-saving coping skill that has helped keep her moving forward.
“To get through the day, I break moments down into minuscule moments – even if it means focusing on combing my hair, brushing my teeth, and putting on my sneakers. I take comfort in the mini moments of progress.”
This friend would like to keep her journey a secret, but I gotta say, she has made a huge impact in my life. I frequently refer to her words of wisdom when chipping away at stressful challenges. She is a true superhero.
Are you struggling with a challenge? Feeling paralyzed with inaction? Waiting for motivation? I urge you to memorize this fundamental phrase that can help you:
Keep breaking your challenge into tiny bite-size pieces
until you can swallow the first bite or take that first step.
There is no step that is too small.
Teeny tiny steps add up to huge benefits.
Plowing forward without listening to your body and giving it the ammunition it needs to deal with life’s issues can be a mistake. Here are some surprising facts about the science of stress that many people don’t know:
Stress can make us forgetful: Stress hormones can impair your brain’s ability to form and retrieve memories. This is why we might experience “brain fog” during stressful periods.
Stress ages us faster: Chronic stress can accelerate the aging process by shortening telomeres, the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes. Shorter telomeres are associated with a higher risk of age-related diseases.
Stress can make us gain weight: When stressed, our body releases cortisol, a hormone that can increase our appetite and lead to weight gain, particularly around the midsection.
Stress weakens our immune system: Chronic stress suppresses our immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses.
Stress can affect our gut health: Stress can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to digestive problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Positive stress can be beneficial: While chronic stress is harmful, short bursts of stress, known as eustress, can actually be beneficial. Eustress motivates us, improves our focus, and enhances our performance.
Social support is crucial for stress management: Having strong social connections is key to helping us buffer the negative effects of stress.
When we turn our computers off and on, we queue them to reboot by clearing out old processes and preparing for new ones. Exercise, like Mojo’s HIIT approach to dance fitness, provides a similar reboot service for our bodies and brains, which is especially helpful when we’re feeling stressed. Here’s why:
Clearing Out the Old:
• Stress Hormones: When we’re stressed, our bodies produce stress hormones like cortisol. Moderate to vigorous exercise helps burn off these hormones, reducing their negative impact.
• Mental Clutter: High-energy physical activity helps clear mental clutter and distract us from worries.
Preparing for New:
• Endorphin Release: HIIT triggers the release of endorphins, our body’s natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins help improve mood and reduce pain.
• Increased Energy: HIIT helps boost our energy levels, leaving us feeling refreshed and ready to tackle new challenges.
• Improved Focus: The mental clarity that comes with the reboot helps us focus better and think more clearly.
Optimizing Performance:
• Improved Sleep: Regular bouts of challenging exercise helps improve sleep quality, which is essential for overall well-being and cognitive function.
• Boosted Immune System: Exercise strengthens the immune system, helping us fight off illness and stay healthy.
• Enhanced Mood: The combination of endorphins and reduced stress leads to a significant improvement in mood.
Team Mojo! Clockwise – Jenn, Deena, Dolores, Gema, and Laura
A “team” is defined as a group of like-minded people on a quest for a common goal, who achieve more together than they would on their own. Yup! That sums up our Mojo vibe.
So thankful for these ladies and our countless team of friends who contribute their energy in so many helpful ways. Whether you are a LIVE or virtual friend, did you know that working with a like-minded, supportive team is excellent for relieving stress? Here’s why:
Psychological Benefits:
• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Group exercise triggers the release of endorphins, natural mood elevators that combat stress and anxiety.
• Enhanced Mood: Shared experiences and camaraderie foster a sense of belonging and positivity, contributing to improved overall mood.
• Boosted Self-Esteem: Achieving fitness goals together and receiving encouragement from peers can significantly boost self-confidence.
Physical Benefits:
• Increased Motivation: The accountability and social pressure within a group setting often lead to increased motivation and adherence to exercise routines.
• Improved Performance: Studies have shown that individuals tend to push themselves harder when working out with others, leading to better performance.
• Enhanced Social Connection: Group exercise provides an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering social bonds that contribute to overall well-being.
Related Articles
