A few weeks ago we talked about heading into the holidays here with a spirit of self-love and moderation, so that we can still love ourselves in January. Just this morning two different ideas collided in my head for a new possible path to self-love.
01.
Almost a year ago Vi hurt is shoulder and our chiropractor suggested he do push-ups every other day. Do 2 sets of as many push-ups as he could, every other day. That’s it. It sounded the most basic silly prescription ever, but he took it on. At first he could do like 3 full-push ups and then a few more with knees on the ground. A couple months in, Vi realized his shoulder doesn’t hurt anymore, and seemingly overnight he had a big fireman chest. I thought… ugh…men, right? They “eat less chocolate” and do a couple pushups, and lose 5lbs. Not fair. But then I came across a study about “micro-workouts.” Apparently little teeny bursts of activity (like a set of pushups) has a huge effect on your body… and your cognitive functions!! WHAT!? The doctor who started the study gave his his older dad a pull-up bar in the doorway to the basement. Every time Dad went down to the basement he did as many pull-ups as he could. At first, it was barely one. (I relate to that) After a few months, Dad was doing 10-20 pull-ups and was in all-around better shape.
02.
When I was watching The Good Wife, lying-cheating-lawyer-ex-husband was trying to win over his Good Wife’s brother. So he asked Bro-in-Law for help. Bro-in-Law was a smart cookie, and in the midst of helping gets up and says “You didn’t need my help. You just know that having someone help you is more effective at making them like you than if you helped them!” Ah! So helping someone makes us like them more. That makes sense to me. We love helping people, and we feel more connected to them when we’ve done so.
03.
Ready for the big collide??
Does the helping effect work on ourselves? IF you help yourself with tiny micro-workouts, will you not only help your body but also like yourself better?? I think we think that people who eat well and exercise and generally take care of themselves must do it because they care and value themselves… but can we hack it by doing it the other way around??Here’s my new challenge to you. Every day, choose a micro-workout… waiting for the toaster, do pushups right there in the kitchen. However many, either till you’ve exhausted those muscles or till the toast pops. Waiting for the dog to come in, squats! Brushing your teeth, lunges! Crunches, on the couch! Fit something in everyday. Multiple times if you’re having fun. I’m doing it too.
The Care and Feeding of Introverts – The Backpack