Holistic GROOVE

This blog comes to you from Caron Smith ~ a Victoria B.C. counsellor who blogs about mental health, communication, and relationships...

As I headed to Liz Zdunich’s pre-New Year’s Eve Groove class on a chilly December evening I was cold and achy. About thirty of us danced, gyrated, and swayed for about an hour. As I left our invigorating session I was considerably warmed up – my muscles were pleasantly tired and my joints felt great!

Physical health and mental health are inextricably linked. On some level we all know this – we often feel better after a quick walk in the sunshine. Beyond the actual physiological benefits of exercise it seems there is something more than the release of stress-busting hormones. What is that intangible thing that charges our very being? What is it that gets us out to group events and classes to move our bodies?

The first thing that springs to mind is companionship. Do-it-yourself home exercise programs often fade away, as to which many a dusty treadmill will attest. It’s exciting to get out and meet new people, and to share in their enthusiasm.

There is also mutual support in doing a group activity. My nieces and I have taken turns encouraging one another to get to the gym, scale Mount Doug, or sign up for a class. (OK, I never actually urged anyone to climb a mountain, but they dragged me along a couple of times!) Hanging out with other people who enjoy fitness is a morale booster. Yup – all these fabulous beings are doing the same thing I am.

It’s educational. As I look around at others, I pick up new moves. I get to try them out to see if they work for me – or I make up some of my own. The creative energy flowing through and around us is truly inspirational.

Lastly, it’s a hoot! As we shimmied around the large dance floor the other night we grinned at one another. And there’s nothing like great music to enhance that sense of enjoyment – it really does make exercise “ridiculous fun”, as Liz says.

If you feel like enriching your life this year join a class – do it for the companionship, support, inspiration, confidence-building, and fun. Do it for your physical and your mental health!

To read more from Caron Smith and find out more about her services, please visit her on-line at Smith Counselling.