Trying on Enfolding in our Daily Rhythms
12 hanging t-shirts in all different colors to consider trying on
Which occupation (anything you need or want to do in your day) would you most like help figuring out how to fit into your daily routine?
Earlier this summer, we surveyed over 50 Minnesotans to learn more about what occupies their time, what occupations (things they need and want to do) they would like to do more of, and which occupations they are working to incorporate into their day.
The number 1 occupation people were consistently working to figure out in their routine was exercise.
Movement in today’s world seems to be something many of us are trying to figure out, and possibly even more so when our responsibilities are shifting more rapidly and frequently than in years past.
So, today we have decided to embark upon a 72 hour adventure of trying out different pairings of exercise and other meaningful activities by enfolding them with greater intention to notice what is possible each day, and what works best given the circumstances of each day.
We will report our findings back to you next week and invite you to join us in trying on enfolding occupations the way you would clothes-- notice the fit, notice your preferences, leave behind what doesn’t work while also gaining knowledge about what works best for you and when, as well as why that may be the case.
What might this look like?
We’ll be looking at how those whose work or lifestyle leads to being more sedentary might weave in movement throughout the day, as well as how a changing daily schedule might influence exercise
Here are a few things to consider if you’d like to join us in noticing:
Start where you are: (Sedentary to highly active continuum) What are your current habits with exercise? How would you like to feel by the end of 72 hours? What would you like to learn about yourself? Would you like to do this alone or invite a team of people to do so with you?
Why: What do you want to achieve by exercising? Feel stronger, physical and mental health gains, release what no longer need, build endurance, or other needs? Social engagement, leisure, fitness?
What: Once you know the why of your exercise for that moment, what type of exercise best meets that need? What options are available right now? What have you liked best? What might you try if it was paired with another activity or role? (i.e. Walking and running if music or podcast to guide pace)
When/Time of day: When does exercise fit best? Small bursts, extended periods, time of day?
Who with: Solo (at a facility, outdoors, or home), Group (outdoors, facility, home, or other), Online instructor or video (live time or follow a recording)
Where: Outdoors, home, facility, other
There are so many options to adjust when considering what exercise works for us, aren’t there? You likely have many other considerations to add to this list.
If you do best by having an example of things to consider, here are examples of some possible pairings:
Morning walk with dog or indoor workout on YouTube
Mid morning break or walk and talk meeting or phone call to check in with someone (outdoors or indoors, depending on what works best)
Gardening-- pulling weeds for 30 minutes while spending time with someone you enjoy and visiting
Bike ride with a partner or while listening to an audio book
Listen to music while lifting weights or cleaning out a closet with multiple levels
We’ll report back next Wednesday what we tried and how we fared to increase our exercise in our daily routines.
As always, we welcome your comments and ideas in the comments below. Someone may be most grateful for your pairing suggestions!
