WHAT:
This habit involves daily physical “self-maintenance” to counteract tightness and discomfort, ensuring your body remains limber and pain-free.
WHY:
Tight hips? Achy back? Rounded posture?
A little bit of physical “self-maintenance” every day can go a long way to helping your body feel good.
Especially if you sit at a desk for most of the day, getting on the ground and going through different movement patterns or positions that you wouldn’t normally find yourself in can help maintain physical function.
HOW:
Start with just 5-10 minutes each day. This can be a morning stretch routine or foam rolling post-exercise.
If you’re in the mood, let this evolve into longer sessions like a 25-min session while watching your favourite TV show or a rejuvenating 40-minute yoga flow.
Not sure where to start? There are a plethora of resources and routines online such as:
TIPS:
✅ Mobility Zone: Create a dedicated “mobility corner” in your home with a yoga mat, foam roller, and any other tools you prefer. Seeing this setup daily acts as a visual cue to get moving.
✅ Track Progress: Keep a simple mobility journal or app noting how you felt before and after each session. Witnessing the benefits in real-time can be motivating.
✅ Pair with Pleasure: Love music or podcasts? Use your mobility time to indulge in your favourite tunes or catch up on a podcast episode. Or do your mobility work while watching your favourite TV series. Associating the practice with something you enjoy can make it more enticing.
✅ Join a Community: Whether it’s a local yoga class or an online mobility group, connecting with others can add accountability and make the practice more enjoyable.
✅ Challenge Yourself: Set mini challenges, like “7 Days of Hip Flexibility,” to keep things fresh and encourage consistency.