Mental Health and Movement

I won’t be the first to tell you that our bodies and mind are better off with movement, and I won’t be the last either. Since years ago parents would encourage their kids outside to play and run and though exercise was not always as widely spoken about, the benefits have been highlighted for decades.

The good news is you don’t have to be athletic to fit in movement. There are so many forms of movement now, sports, dance, yoga, walking, and boxing are only a few. Heck, just parking further away from the store might be a good place to start. Movement can increase our “feel good” hormone, and can then increase feelings of happiness and relieve stress. Movement also offers the body and mind an opportunity to co-regulate. Think of nervous system regulation, you are stressed, upset and your heart is racing. You get outside and take a walk and move. Often people in similar situations report that their mental health has improved with movement.

Wondering where to start?

Start small. Park further away from your destination. Meet a friend for a walk and then a coffee. Take an extra lap around the grocery store. You get the point. It does not always need to look like an exercise class or a running group.

Find something you enjoy. Walking by the water might sound more enjoyable than walking on a treadmill. Listen to your podcast while you’re walking. Start with a yoga class or try a new style of dance. Find what works for you. There are lots of options so it can be more enjoyable.  

Find community. This is not true for everyone but often some peer support (or should I say pressure) can be helpful to engage and keep up with movement. Walking with a friend every Thursday might make it more appealing to go out when it’s cold or a bit rainy. Did anyone else start a yoga class during the lock down of 2020 and stop just to lay on the floor during the youtube workout because, heck, no one would know anyways? Community and a little peer pressure really does help!

All this to say it doesn’t have to be a big change, but small changes can have a ripple effect. Move your body and notice your mind and wellbeing. Noticing and appreciating can be a great motivator to continuing!