Fear in Movement
So, my cousins are like the poster kids for extreme sports, you know, the ones flying off cliffs and doing crazy stunts that make your heart skip a beat. They've broken pretty much every bone in their bodies, but it doesn't faze them. Fear? Not in their vocabulary.
my lunatic cousin
But here's the twist – they get fear, they feel it, they just deal with it differently. It's not about being reckless; it's about being confident in their skills. When injuries happen, and they do, it's not a rushed return to the craziest stunts. It's all about baby steps, rebuilding confidence slowly.
And it hit me – their approach isn't just for daredevils. It's a lesson for anyone getting back into the game after a break or facing something new. Take it slow, feel out the pain-free moves first, and then ramp it up. Caution mixed with curiosity, that's the secret sauce.
See, fear isn't the bad guy; it's the sidekick. It is a delicate emotion designed to keep you alive. The kind of emotion that works well when you stand on top of a 70 foot cliff jump and get the sense that this probably isn’t a good idea. But also the kind of emotion that can be destructive when it holds us back from doing the things that be really beneficial for us.
This can be really evident when coming back from injury. While research paper after research paper tells us the best thing for non descript pain is movement, if experienced pain doing a certain movement we will forever be a little fearful of doing that movement. This fear will limit movement, which in turn exposes us to a greater chance of injury when we actually do move and leaving use with the self-fulfilling prophecy that exercise causes pain. This is something I call the pain cycle.
While this is an extremely nuanced point the video below articulates how fear of movement can cause pain versus the pain itself.
The real villain is sitting on the couch, doing nothing. That's the fear we should be sweating about – heart issues, weak bones, insulin haywire. Not the uncomfortable twinge from a workout.
My cousins, the risk-takers, unknowingly gave me this life lesson – be curious, be active, and keep the fear in check. Because in the end, it's not about the crazy stunts; it's about staying on the move till the end!
Fear is valid, pay attention to it but be curious and follow these steps:
Start Slow and Build Confidence:
Apply the "baby steps" approach when returning to activities or starting something new.
Focus on pain-free movements initially to build confidence gradually.
Combine Caution with Curiosity:
Embrace caution while exploring new challenges or activities.
Maintain a curious mindset to overcome fears and limitations.
Rebuild Confidence After Setbacks:
When facing setbacks or injuries, prioritize a gradual return to activities.
Rebuild confidence slowly rather than rushing back into intense routines.
Understand the Role of Fear:
Recognize fear as a natural emotion designed for self-preservation.
Differentiate between healthy caution and fear that may hinder progress.
Address Fear of Movement:
Acknowledge that fear of movement, especially after injury, can impact overall well-being.
Challenge and gradually overcome fears by reintroducing pain-free movements.
Exercise as a Preventive Measure:
Shift focus from fearing exercise-related discomfort to the potential health risks of a sedentary lifestyle.
Consider exercise as a preventive measure against heart issues, weak bones, and other health concerns.
Balance Rest and Activity:
Find a balance between rest and physical activity to maintain overall health.
Avoid the sedentary lifestyle as it poses greater health risks.
Embrace a Long-Term Active Lifestyle:
View staying active as a lifelong journey rather than a pursuit of extreme stunts.
Prioritize consistent, moderate activity over time.
Educate Others on Fear and Movement:
Share the understanding that fear of movement, if not addressed, can perpetuate a cycle of pain and limitation.
Encourage a mindset shift towards a positive relationship with physical activity.
Prioritize Health Over Immediate Comfort:
Understand that discomfort during exercise is different from harmful pain.
Prioritize long-term health benefits over the immediate comfort of inactivity.