The best things, happen while you're dancing

From the time I was in elementary school into my adult life, I'd never fully appreciated the benefits of exercise until recently. I was never good at PE when I was in school ... I found so much more joy out of music and drama electives, and I never really understood the appeal of the sports I was exposed to. During my years in college, my reasons for exercising were superficial, only ever putting myself through the "on-again, off-again" experiences of running and visits to the gym to look good ... it was irrelevant to me how I felt afterwards. We've all been told repeatedly how good exercise is for us, but I never really got it until now.

Not long ago, I had an epiphany about my reasons for exercise and how I could incorporate it into my life permanently. I believe the secret to finding a long term solution is to try many different kinds of exercise to find the one that brings you joy. I have finally found this joyful exercise through ballroom dancing. I love the combination of the dancing with the music, the social aspects, and that it isn't like any other aspect of my life ... and I can definitely feel my gluts the day after! After finding this wonderful fit, I now understand the true benefits of exercise.

The benefits of exercise I enjoy are endless. Some of these benefits have included better sleep, increased physical and emotional strength, and an overall more positive outlook on life. In my role as a caregiver, dancing is a way I give myself permission to feed myself. It gives me sustenance to continue being patient, loving, and caring to those I'm caring for, and contributes greatly to warding off burn out. It provides an outlet where I'm not expected to be a caregiver, and I can simply take in the benefits for my well being.

My challenge to you is to find a similar physical outlet that brings you joy. Ask yourselves why you want to, or are exercising ... will those reasons be able to sustain you in during your days, months, years as a caregiver? For me, dancing is a good fit because of who I am ... I enjoy being around people, it provides a supportive community, and I'm challenging myself. Other people may find joy in more solitary, internal forms of exercise, such as yoga or Tai Chi. I encourage you to find your fit, and I believe it will provide the same benefits to you as it has for me.

Family Caregiver Network Society

The family caregiver network is a non-profit society for caregivers caring for adults in Victoria and the Capitol Regional District. I've visited their site often to check out the various workshops that are offered, and I really appreciate knowing there is an organization that offers many supports if and when I should need them. In addition to ongoing workshops, FCNS provides free monthly support groups, books, resources and articles. The next workshop being offered through FCNS is entitled "Increasing Your Resiliency" and the registration cut off date is February 2nd ... check out their website for that and more.