Exercise for Relaxation

Working in Social Media along with being remote, disconnecting is always tricky for me to actually do. I am constantly checking in and getting lost in the web until midnight. Last night I promised myself that at 5:30pm I would close my laptop and disconnect. At 6:00pm I had found myself already fully absorbed in an article about the overuse of the word “millennial’s,” followed by thoughts of why that word was being thrown around so much. It daunted on me that I had spent the first half an hour of my night-off doing exactly what I said I wouldn’t.

I closed my laptop and turned off my phone and went for a walk in my neighborhood, the historical North End. It was quite busy for a Wednesday night and I decided it was perfect for people-watching. What better way to people-watch than to grab a homemade Stracciatella (chocolate chip) Gelato? I sat at my favorite café, Café Paradiso, and watched the people pass by enjoying the charming neighborhood I call home.

When I finished I headed back to my apartment and up to the roof. It was a perfect night. The sun was setting, it wasn’t too hot with the wind, and the view was beautiful. That is when I decided since I had already been to the gym in the morning this would be a perfect time to do a sworkit yoga session. I grabbed my yoga mat and listened to my comedy playlist on Spotify and laughed along all while doing the downward dog and pigeon pose. After the yoga session, I still wanted more. I switched it up to stretching because my shoulder has a knot the size of Jupiter (today it is gone! Hooray!). After stretching I was eager to do some Pilates.

Yesterday night was one of my favorite workouts I’ve had this month. I loved slowing down a bit and enjoying all bits of life. If ever I felt Zen it was then. Laughter, relaxation, exercise, and great views. Working out isn’t a chore when it is what you want to do to clear your mind and feel good. Until working out is in your mind as something that makes you feel good, you might not be able to stick to it.

Next time you can’t sleep or you are overworking yourself, put on a stretch or yoga and relax. You deserve it, too!

-Leanna, Sworkit Community Manager