We know that exercise is good for our health and is essential for longevity but often we consider exercise as a chore. Kelly McGonigal in her book explains how movement can be a source of joy. She has shared many stories and examples which reveal that just by doing exercise we can, not only improve our moods but also cure serious ailments like depression, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
About the Author
Kelly is a health psychologist and works as a lecturer at Stanford University. She is Ph.D., a science journalist, Yoga teacher, dance teacher and an expert in mind-body relationships. She has written, “The Upside of Stress”, “The Willpower Instinct”, “Yoga for Pain Relief” and “The Neuroscience of Change: A Compassion-Based Guide to Personal Transformation”
Here are some of the major takeaways from this book:
- Kelly mentioned ‘Runner’s high’ at the start of this book. It is a state of deep relaxation or euphoria that comes after an intense or lengthy workout. People who run long miles or do intense exercise feel less anxiety and pain and they often feel social after the run. When you run or perform any aerobic exercise your body releases Endorphins which are also called the “feel-good” chemicals as they give us pleasure and help us endure longer periods of running. For many years scientists believed endorphins were the major reason for a runner’s high. Recent Researches point towards a type of molecule called endocannabinoids. “Anandamide “is a type of endocannabinoid that is found at high levels in the blood of people completing a long run. Some researchers conclude that anandamide results in psychoactive effects like euphoria, calmness, and reduced anxiety.
- Exercise is so addictive that it will activate the brain’s reward system in the same way as drugs as cocaine and heroin do but in a positive way. People who are regular in their exercise often show similar withdrawal symptoms as drug addicts who are trying to leave drugs. If they miss even one workout session they get anxious and irritable and can develop depression if they miss several sessions.
- We are born to move. History shows that our ancestors moved together in search of food and to protect themselves from wild animals. They celebrated together. There are still some tribal communities that live the same type of life as our ancestors lived. Many scientists are doing research and deep study about their living habits, food habits, and the reason behind their happy lives. Kelly writes about the importance of moving together. It brings humans together. When we perform collective actions we feel connected to each other. Dancing to the same beats, tapping feet together or even a simple act like walking together is enjoyed more by people than any other economic game. Anthropologists say that this may be to make social ties stronger. It can be seen in animals like chimpanzees, baboons, and gorillas, who keep picking up ticks and fleas from one another or cleaning away dirt. More than hygiene this grooming is about the strengthening of the bond. The social touch releases endorphin which ultimately makes their relationship stronger. They share food or defend each during conflicts.
- We can perform better if we listen to the right music while running or working out. Our brain releases dopamine, adrenaline, and endorphin and alleviates pain when we listen to music. It has been observed that music has been rewarding across cultures. Research has confirmed that people consume less oxygen while listening to music during exercising and they even go an extra 51 seconds with their favorite music. Lyrics also play an important part in pushing us to endure and work harder. Popular workout playlists have songs with lyrics that press upon persistence and willpower with words such as work, go, or run. Music can create miracles. In the book, Kelly mentioned one story of a woman who had a complex bone fracture and after that, her leg was completely paralyzed. There was no communication between her leg muscles and spinal cord. Doctors found out that her brain was not able to feel or control her leg. But there was a bizarre exception. Whenever she heard the sound of an Irish jig her foot would tap spontaneously. With the help of music therapy, she started walking and even dancing again.
- Green exercise is physical activity done in a natural environment. Phycologists have observed that people exhibit a major change in their mood and outlook within five minutes of green exercise. Walking outdoors, and spending time with a variety of plant species amidst natural beauty calm an agitated mind and acts as an antidote to depression and worry. In a study conducted in Austria, it was observed that when mountain hiking was added to standard medical treatment it reduced suicidal thinking among individuals who had attempted suicide previously.
- In one study it was found that if you are with a friend, a hill seems less steep than when you are alone. Kelly has mentioned a case of a sixty-five-year-old man suffering from Parkinson’s disease for whom taking a few steps was also a big challenge. He and his wife lived in Northern Israel region which was regularly hit with Katyusha and mortar rocket attacks. During one such attack, his wife held his hand as he stood from his chair. He was able to walk and even run at that time. Neurologists said that the urgency of the situation was not the reason behind his running. They concluded that the man was with his wife and he followed his wife’s footsteps. The mere support of a loving partner can change your mindset towards a physical challenge.
Conclusion
The Joy of Movement is the perfect book to read at the beginning of this year. If you have been having a hard time doing exercise then you should read this book. It will motivate you to keep moving in life. Based on her research, stories, and experiences Kelly has put forth some conclusions regarding movement. She says, “Movement offers us pleasure, identity, belonging, and hope. It puts us in places that are good for us, whether that’s outdoors in nature, in an environment that challenges us, or with a supportive community. It allows us to redefine ourselves and reimagine what is possible. It makes social connection easier and self-transcendence possible”.
Hope you enjoyed reading this book review. Wish you a very good health. Keep Moving!!