As a holistic psychologist, I have seen time and again how movement can transform not only the body but also the mind and spirit. Movement is not just a physical activity—it is a powerful tool for emotional regulation, mental clarity, and spiritual connection. Whether you are managing anxiety, coping with stress, or simply seeking greater well-being, incorporating movement into your daily routine can have profound effects. In this blog post, I’ll explore the science behind movement, its impact on the stress response, the concept of ‘hope molecules,’ and the ways in which movement can free your soul.
Motion is Lotion for the Body
Your body was designed to move. Just as lotion soothes dry skin, movement keeps your body in optimal condition. Regular exercise, which includes strength, stamina, and flexibility training, is essential for maintaining or improving your body’s health. In contrast, inactivity can exacerbate chronic pain and dis-ease, both in the body and mind.
Movement helps maintain the balance of our musculoskeletal system, improves circulation, and supports our cardiovascular health. More than that, it keeps the energy flowing, preventing stagnation that can lead to physical and emotional discomfort. The old adage “use it or lose it” applies here; movement is key to sustaining vitality throughout life.
The Stress Response: Move to Calm the Storm
When you experience strong emotions, your body undergoes a stress response, releasing a cascade of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol into your bloodstream. These hormones prepare your body to fight or flee from perceived danger. However, in today’s world, we often face stressors that don’t require physical action, such as work pressures or negative thought spirals. If these stress hormones are not used up through movement, they linger in your system and can eventually break down, crossing the blood-brain barrier and contributing to depression or nervous system collapse.
During the stress response, your brain’s higher functions, particularly in the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making and rational thought), become less accessible. This is why you might struggle to think clearly when anxious or stressed. The body needs to complete the stress response cycle—essentially to ‘escape’ from the danger. Movement is the most effective way to achieve this. As soon as you start moving, your breath deepens, and your mind begins to clear. It’s as though you are shaking off the remnants of the stress response, allowing your body to return to a state of equilibrium.
Hope Molecules: The Body’s Natural Antidepressants
Exercise is more than just a way to burn off excess energy—it’s also a powerful antidepressant. Scientists have coined the term ‘hope molecules’ to describe myokines, a type of protein released by muscle cells during exercise. These molecules have been shown to reduce depression and improve resilience. When you contract your muscles, you essentially juice these hope molecules into your bloodstream, where they can cross the blood-brain barrier and uplift your mood.
Vigorous exercise also triggers the release of endocannabinoids, your body’s own ‘wonder drugs.’ These chemicals play a key role in managing stress, promoting social connection, and healing from trauma. In fact, physical activity has been found to be as effective, if not more so, than medication for treating anxiety and low mood.
The benefits of these molecules extend beyond the immediate aftermath of exercise. Regular physical activity creates a cumulative effect, building up your body’s natural resilience to stress and enhancing your overall mental health.
Free Your Soul: Movement as an Energetic Practice
Movement is not just a physical act; it is an energetic practice that can cleanse the subtle body of any stuck or stagnant energy. Practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, martial arts, and yoga are well-known for their ability to link the physical and metaphysical aspects of our being. These ancient traditions recognise that movement is a way to harmonise the flow of energy (or ‘chi’) within the body, promoting physical health, emotional balance, and spiritual growth.
Latihan, a form of ‘spirit dance’ originating in Indonesia, embodies this concept. In Latihan, you allow the creative force within you to move the body freely, without conscious direction. It’s a practice that taps into the body’s innate wisdom, allowing you to express and release deep-seated emotions and energy.
Dance, in particular, has been used as a healing ritual across cultures for centuries. It has the power to unite groups of people and to connect us with our own deeper selves. When you dance with an air of grace that originates from your heart space, you allow your soul to soar to transcendent reaches of awareness. This is movement as a form of spiritual liberation, a way to connect with something greater than yourself.
Practice: Incorporate Movement into Your Life
The key to reaping the benefits of movement is consistency. Find some movement practices that feel good to you and schedule them into your week. Whether you enjoy a brisk walk, a yoga session, or dancing to your favourite tunes, the important thing is to keep moving. Here are some practical tips to help you get started:
- Shake It Off: Vigorously shaking your body, arms, and legs while exhaling stress for a minute or two can release pent-up energy, improve blood flow, and enhance breathing. This quick shift in mental and emotional state is particularly effective in the morning to increase alertness or during times of intense stress.
- Try Something New: Engaging in new recreational activities can keep your brain and body young. Consider trying something you loved as a child, or take up a new hobby. The novelty of the activity can stimulate your mind and refresh your spirit.
- Social Movement: Find a partner or group to join for added social benefits. Whether it’s a sports team, a dance class, or a walking group, moving with others can enhance the experience and provide additional motivation.
- Mind-Body Connection: For a deeper connection between body and mind, try practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, martial arts, or yoga. These disciplines not only improve physical fitness but also cultivate inner peace and mental clarity.
- Dance from the Heart: Attend a conscious or ecstatic dance event, or simply put on your favourite music and dance alone with all your heart. Notice how you feel in your body, mind, and spirit as you move freely and joyfully.
- Daily Movement: Incorporate movement into your daily routine in small ways. Take the stairs instead of the lift, walk or cycle to nearby destinations, and stretch regularly throughout the day. Every little bit adds up to create a healthier, more vibrant you.
Conclusion
Movement is indeed lotion for the body, mind, and soul. By making movement a regular part of your life, you can not only maintain physical health but also enhance your emotional well-being and spiritual vitality. As you engage in regular physical activity, you’ll find that you are better equipped to manage stress, uplift your mood, and connect with your deeper self. So go forth, find the movement that speaks to you, and let it be a source of healing and joy in your life. Your body, mind, and soul will thank you.
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