Self-growth
Business & Career
Success
Communication
Healing
Relationships
Psychology
HappinessYou’ll learn
- The psychological rewards of movement
- How exercising can be addictive
- Insights into the power of music
- How your muscles can empower you
Table of contents
first KEY POINT
Movement results in happiness
Life is in motion. Our well-being and health are directly related to how active we are. It affects our emotional and mental state and determines our overall quality of life. In today's world, a person living in a metropolis is significantly limited in daily movement. Careers often require us to stay indoors and sit in front of a computer most of the day. It leads to muscle spasms and fatigue, making us want to spend the evening lying on the couch. However, here is a paradox: the less we move, the less we want to. That is, motionless rest does not restore energy as a walk in the fresh air would. To be inspired to move, you need to start moving!
The habit of physical activity keeps your body, soul, and brain in good shape. The hormones released by the body during sports help you experience stress, regulate the intensity of emotions, and feel happy and light. Group workouts help you socialize, while individual training lets you reflect and clear your head. Also, moderate exercise during the day improves your sleep, allowing you to recover fully at night.
Movement is a free self-care therapy.
Stay tuned to learn more about all the benefits of an active lifestyle and receive a hefty dose of motivation to start moving right now. If you are ready to accept rewards from your body for being sensitive and kind to it, this summary is definitely for you. Let's restore the lost connection with nature, the world, and their energy through movement!
second KEY POINT
The need for movement is in your DNA
Activities you need for survival as a human also please you; that's how nature guides you in life. Eating food and sleeping are the most prominent examples, but there are more. For instance, people enjoy working in groups as it also fulfills social needs. You experience relish when you see the result of your work. Psychological traits of a human include a need to have a sense of life. We naturally make success stories and use metaphors when analyzing lives. It makes us happier.You don't need to question yourself about what to do; all the connections between activities and rewards are intrinsic. It's already in your DNA; you only need to follow your instincts. One of the most significant ones is the need for physical activity. In 1855, a Scottish philosopher compared the pleasure of a fast walk to an intoxication similar to Bacchus's ancient ecstatic worship, the Roman God of wine.Vybarr Cregan, a cultural historian, also noted exercising's associated pleasures (runners high). He compared it to inebriation. American professional golfer Scott Dunlap equated the runner's high to the feeling after you had a few energy drinks mixed with alcohol and painkillers.Other people see the runner’s high as a spiritual experience. For example, some would start crying after their morning run. They likened the tearing to spiritual bliss, and the feeling was close to the description of connection that shamans usually give. The physical effort produced brings relief and purification, like a catharsis. It provides a sense of euphoria and belonging to something more. Movement lets us leave the framework of daily worries and return to the connection with the natural energy inherent in the human body.
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first KEY POINT
Persistence in sports makes you feel in love
second KEY POINT
Not a sports person? That might shift
third KEY POINT
The power of music naturally moves us to dance
fourth KEY POINT
Move your way to greatness
fifth KEY POINT
Green exercise boosts mental health
sixth KEY POINT
Conclusion
Related summaries
Frequently asked questions
What is The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage about?
The Joy of Movement, authored by Kelly McGonigal, explores how physical activity fosters happiness and emotional well-being. McGonigal shares scientific insights and personal stories that reveal the deep connections between exercise, joy, and social bonding.
What are the key takeaways from The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage?
Key takeaways from this book include the idea that exercise is not just a physical activity but a powerful tool for improving mental health and cultivating resilience. McGonigal emphasizes that movement can enhance our sense of connection, hope, and overall happiness.
Is The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage worth reading?
Yes, The Joy of Movement is definitely worth reading if you're interested in understanding the psychological benefits of exercise. McGonigal's engaging writing style and compelling research make it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a happier and more connected life.
How many pages is The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage and when was it published?
The Joy of Movement spans 304 pages and was published on December 31, 2019. This insightful read offers both practical advice and motivational encouragement to embrace a more active lifestyle.
How does The Joy of Movement: How Exercise Helps Us Find Happiness, Hope, Connection, and Courage relate to mental health?
The Joy of Movement illustrates that regular physical activity significantly enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety. Through compelling evidence, McGonigal shows how movement can act as a natural remedy for many mental health challenges.