Have you ever wondered why listening to music when you work out gives you more power when you work out? How about when you feel more satisfied and optimistic after you do an intense exercise?
In this episode of the Live Your Personal Best podcast, I speak with Kelly McGonigal, the author of The Joy of Movement.
Listen to this episode to learn more about the joy of movement and how physical exercise can be a powerful anecdote to the modern epidemics of depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
Episode Timeline
[1:29] Kelly explains what the mind-body connection is and why it is essential.
[5:09] Kelly shares her journey in studying hope molecules.
[8:59] Kelly describes how music can help you connect to things that are much bigger than you.
[13:07] Kelly discloses how exercise can produce different forms of pleasure.
[18:21] Kelly discloses if it’s better to do the exercises that make you feel better or do workouts because it makes you feel better.
[22:26] Kelly shares what’s the most shocking part of her book.
Key Takeaways
- With mind-body connection, they believe that physical movement affects your mental well-being.
- When you contract your muscles during movement or exercise, it releases hope molecules into your bloodstream that are anti-depressants. It makes you more resistant to stress and more connected to other people. This can also help you when you have depression or trauma.
- The existence of these hope molecules points to how movement can be deeply psychological.
- Music is an invitation to move. When you listen to music, it activates a section of your brain to move.
- Music can help you create meaning for things in your life.
- Music with exercise is putting the meaning around the experience that you want.
- Different forms of movement can grant us access to other joys and pleasures.
- Movement can also give us positive instincts that we have that are healthy.
- There are many ways that you can enjoy movement.
- Intensity matters when you work out.
- Movement is social. There’s something about exercise that helps you form bonds and relationships.
- Your brain rewards you when you think you exercise, especially when it feels that what you’re doing is meaningful.
Quotes
“There’s a reason why people who struggle with depression and anxiety love exercising outdoors.” – Kelly [16:04]
“You’re allowed to be uncomfortable. You’re allowed to fail. That can be a part of a positive exercise experience.” – Kelly [21:29]
“Exercise often brings out the best of us.” – Kelly [25:09]
