When I was in my ‘Eat Pray Love’ era (okay I’ve never seen the movie but my brother always jibes this about me whenever I go on a solo trip, or take myself out to a café for a reading date), I used a range of different services in the healing journey. One of those, was hot yoga. I had never done yoga before, so what possessed me to crank up the heat while I do, I’ll never know. But it’s something that I thoroughly enjoyed and found myself going back to regularly. Sadly, I haven’t been able to keep up the practise but I’m considering going back to it. In the meantime, I had found other outlets that integrated my mind and body connection that is so important to growth.
Over the years I dabbled in taekwondo, swimming, dance, weight training in the gym, (and more recently, I’ve been toying with the thoughts of training for a marathon- I know…my friends reading this will think “huh, you want to run…out of choice?!”). What did they all have in common?
I was sweating!
I know it might sound gross that I’m about to delve into this in detail, but let’s reframe it.
What if sweating is your body’s way of letting go?
Let that sit with you while we explore some of the benefits:
Letting go of tension, and regaining balance:
- Temperature Regulation: Sweating is the body’s natural cooling mechanism. It helps regulate body temperature and prevents overheating, especially during intense physical activity or exposure to heat.
- Stress and Pain Relief: Physical activity that leads to sweating triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s “feel-good” hormones. These hormones can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve mood. Endorphins are also natural painkillers and can relax muscles and alleviate tension.
- Metabolic Boost: Sweating during exercise can increase metabolic rate, aiding in weight management and promoting fat loss.
- Better Sleep: Sweating through exercise can promote better sleep by helping to regulate circadian rhythms and promoting deeper rest.
Letting go of toxins:
- Detoxification: Sweating helps eliminate toxins and waste products from the body through the skin, promoting a healthier internal environment.
- Skin Health: Sweating can unclog pores, which can help prevent acne and other skin conditions. It also promotes circulation to the skin, enhancing its overall health and appearance.
- Improved Kidney Function: Sweating can take some load off the kidneys by assisting in the excretion of excess fluids and waste products.
- Cleansing of Hair Follicles: Sweating helps cleanse and open hair follicles, which can promote healthier hair growth.
Letting go of barriers (probably the one you can directly feel):
- Improved Cardiovascular Health: Sweating during exercise increases heart rate and blood circulation, contributing to improved cardiovascular health and overall fitness. Paying mindful attention to that feeling of a heart pump and breathlessness after an exercise class is a great way to integrate the bodymind connection. You did it. Your body did that.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Sweating during physical activity can provide a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, contributing to increased self-esteem and confidence. (Be honest, how many times have you looked at yourself after a workout and felt like your sweat dripping top was a medal of honour?!)
- Social and Community Benefits: Engaging in group fitness activities or sports that lead to sweating can foster a sense of community, belonging, and social interaction. I truly learned the meaning of this after a dance class- dancers don’t care how much you’ve sweated – they’re coming in for the hug!
Sweating is the body’s way of letting go. While you let go of all the toxins, and the bad vibes get expelled from your body (really channelling Eat, Pray, Love energy here), don’t forget that replenishment is equally as important. Stay hydrated, as the body loses fluids and electrolytes through this process. Listen to your body and maintain a balanced approach to physical activity. Just as the body is an expert at letting go (if you cultivate the right environment), make sure to nourish it with the good stuff that will help it to flourish. That includes, thinking carefully about what you feed the mind!