What is a mantra?
A mantra, or affirmation, is a positive statement. Many of us collect motivational quotes or mantras. We write them down and post them on our mirrors and refrigerators. We can use mantras to inspire ourselves in just about any situation – including when we are feeling stressed or unmotivated to move our bodies. We can use them to kick start our movement routines. We can have some mantras ready to help us get started and to keep us going. When we are feeling less than motivated, exercise mantras can help.
The benefits of movement
Doctors believe that moving as little as thirty minutes three times a week can help reduce weight related disease. We know that movement helps us to feel better. Movement also helps us keep our minds clear. The benefits of movement are huge. Movement gives us more energy, less stress and an overall sense of wellbeing. Having some inspirational mantras handy can make the difference between giving up and pushing on for the sake of our overall health.
Any movement is beneficial for us. We really are strengthening our bodies and our minds when we incorporate movement into our days. Using mantras to help keep ourselves on track can also remind us that we are giving ourselves the beautiful gift of more strength and clarity. And in giving ourselves this gift, we will be able to give others our attention and care with more ease.
Using mantras to push through obstacles and excuses
Mantras can keep us moving longer. When we first start moving our bodies it is not so easy to see and feel the results. We can use mantras to help push through and go just a little farther each time. If we can find ways to keep ourselves moving through those first few movement routines, we see that we can work through any frustration, exhaustion or whatever obstacle thinking we come up with. Using mantras can give us that energy burst we need to push ourselves even further.
Mantras can also help us move through the excuses we use. Those excuses that hold us back from giving ourselves loving movement. Excuses such as: “I should be cleaning the house, I should be relaxing, I should be working, I should be grocery shopping.” All of those tasks are important, but our health is what we need in order to do those things to the best of our abilities. We can use mantras to support ourselves from falling into the excuse traps.
Find your favorite mantras
We can find and use our favorite motivational mantras, quotes and affirmations. We can say them out loud, or just silently repeat them in our minds as we move our bodies. Mantras are a positive way to keep us moving. We are all beautifully different and different mantras work for each of us. Here are a few mantras to get started:
I am grateful to be able to move my body today.
Every day is a new opportunity to make great choices for my health and happiness.
I am showing up for myself today. I am supporting myself today with energy and love.
I don’t HAVE to move my body, I GET to move my body.
I am making positive choices for myself.
I am stronger than I think. I am strong in so many ways.
Just keep moving. Just keep moving.
All I need to do is show up and just get started. I can do this.
I am getting healthier every minute.
Yay me! I am giving myself the gift of health, energy and clarity today.
We can do it, yes we can!
When we use mantras to inspire and motivate ourselves, we can come to understand that these simple mantras will become more powerful the more we use them. This is exactly why sports teams have chants and mottos that they repeat at every single practice and game. No matter what our level of movement experience, we all can use helpful mantras to motivate ourselves consistently. We can find the mantras that best suit our needs and start taking advantage of the inspiration and empowerment they can provide us with today.
Written by Dyan Diamond
Dyan Diamond is an inspirationalist, author and life coach. Dyan has a wealth of experience and education in psychology, advocacy, and in the helping field. Dyan is an intensely creative spirit. Her focus is on empowering others to accept themselves, love themselves, and to live their dreams.
You can find Dyan’s books and blogs at: http://dyandiamond.net
