Get a move on
Italians have a phrase, "la dolce far niente," which translates to "the sweetness of doing nothing."
It is the idea of savoring idleness, leisure, relaxation. and finding pleasure in simply being without the need for productivity. Slowing down and relaxing is crucial for self-care. But how much do you need to slow down? Or perhaps be more productive? Italians do know how to embrace the sweetness of doing nothing like meeting friends and family over a long leisurely meal.
To me it is critical to find a balance between productivity and relaxation. For some finding this balance comes easily; others either find themselves on the extremely productive side or the sloth side of life. I am sadly watching my 89-year-old father's health steadily decline. The doctor told him two weeks ago he needed to move more and couldn't just stay in all bed and grow roots. While the nursing facility is moving him around, unfortunately, he appears to be growing roots.
As you know, mobility is tone of the keys to longevity. We all need some movement to get through the day. While the loss of mobility is common among older adults, the same is true for us as well, and it has profound psychological and physical consequences.
There are many factors that contribute to loss of mobility: low physical activity, age, obesity, impaired strength, disease, and depression, and the list goes on. My attitude is "do something" as long as you do no harm to yourself in the process. Perhaps it is something as simple as doing 15 to 20 sit-to-stand exercises or practicing getting on and off the floor without using an aid a like a chair. Loss of mobility puts you at a greater risk of falling. Some researchers at the University of Alabama suggest asking yourself these two questions. Do you have difficulty climbing 10 steps or walking a quarter of a mile? Perhaps you are very active, just modify the questions to improve your physical fitness.
"Bed rotting" is a term Tik Tokers have coined for lying in bed for hours and binge-watching. I will be the first to admit I have engaged in my share of lying in bed watching a Netflix series. Are streaming services creating a generation of individuals who will later have limited mobility? Binge watching can be a great form of relaxation, but if it becomes a daily habit, it becomes unhealthy and can lead to depression.
If you are watching hours of streaming content, then yourself, how do you feel? Are you depressed? Do you need to see a therapist? While it is important to stay rested, spending an exorbitant amount of time in bed is not healthy.
Perhaps you know someone who is not returning phone calls or texts and seems to be spending a lot of time in bed. Do not be afraid to go a bit further and reach out. In one week, I've gone from a family wedding on one side of the family to a family funeral on the other side. The funeral was for a mother in her fifties who decided to peacefully take a long nap. Sadly, she left behind two children, a heart broken family and a large network of friends.
While there are no easy answers to suicide prevention, your willingness to express your concern for a person in crisis can be the first step in getting that person help. Be an active listener and realize that your physical and emotional presence in a person's life can make a huge difference. Invite them to go for a walk or go to a park. I know moving my body helps me mentally.
A dear childhood friend who is selling his business and traveling the world told me recently, "You have three phases in your life: the go-go phase, the slow go phase and the no go phase--and Ashton, the slow go phase is creeping up on us."
Take steps today to ensure you can take steps in the years ahead because none of us want to be in the "no go phase." Enjoy the quiet moments in life, but find a balance between movement and bed rotting.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me: ashton@ashtoncannon.com .
Ashton Graham is an educator, book publisher, photographer, cowgirl and yoga teacher. She is currently studying to become a yoga therapist and lives on a ranch in West Texas. Visit www.ashtoncannon.com to learn more.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Get a move on
