Movement is medicine. Recent studies about movement show that mindful, gentle movement has great health benefits for the mind and body. Slow movement helps to stimulate the lymphatic system, which rids the body of toxins. It also initiates the parasympathetic nervous system, which decreases stress, boosts the immune system, and increases energy flow and the flow of healing hormones throughout the body. Since these healing hormones are not needed for muscle repair (like they are after intense exercise), they can be used throughout the body for reparations. In the mind, this initiation of the parasympathetic nervous system creates feelings of peace, presence, and relaxation.
Here are a few ideas for incorporating mindful movement into your daily life:
1. Walking
Walking is a simple and easy way to add more light movement to your day. This can be something as simple as walking to get food instead of driving or getting up a few times throughout the day to walk around if you sit often. Walk outside in nature and with friends for extra benefits!
2. Dancing
Dancing is a great way to increase joy and happiness in your life through movement, since it allows the body to move freely, which releases endorphins in the brain. (Especially when combined with cheery music!)
3. Yoga
Yoga is an ancient practice that incorporates techniques such as movement, mindfulness, and meditation to relax and heal the body, demonstrating how that practice of mindful movement has been used as medicine as long as humans have been around.
4. Hiking
Hiking combines the movement of walking and the peace of mind produced through being outside in the beauty and stillness of nature to produce optimal health effects. Find a nearby trail and go walk in nature and feel for yourself its lasting effects!
5. Stretching
Making times to stretch throughout the day helps to decrease stress and tension throughout the body, helping you feel your very best!
Remember during this movement to concentrate on the movements of your body and your breath, for this helps to calm the body down and will add to the benefits. Be mindful!
* Mindful Movement was written by my beautiful daughter Jordan who truly understands that deep breaths are like little love notes to yourself :)
