Is Movement in our bodies only beneficial to the body? So often we think of exercise as a way to change our bodies and improve our physical appearances, but more and more studies are showing that movement in our bodies is not only benefiting our bodies positively but our brains as well.
Create movement in your life!
As Erin Stutland so eloquently puts it: ‘Movement in your body, creates movement in your life.
When we want to make shifts in our lives from small things like having more energy (ok let’s be honest maybe that is a big thing!) to make big changes in your health or work a simple thing such as moving your body can create the shift you need to get you going in the right direction.
Benefits of movement.
The studies around this are fascinating. Just reading the studies makes me feel like I need to stop writing this and get out there and MOVE!
Studies have shown that moving our bodies:
- Allow brain cells to receive more oxygen.
- Boosts brain cell production.
- Creates new synapses (the neurotransmitters between our brain cells)
- Boosts mood because of increased norephedrine and dopamine which contribute to our energy and mood.
- Better learning
- Better memory
- Reduced chances of depression
- Improves behaviour and social skills.
- Prevents aging of the brain.
Movement also triggers a release of the growth factor, BDNF. (Kesslak, Patrick, So, Cotman, & Gomez-Pinilla, 1998). This helps enhance cognition as well as the neuron’s ability to communicate with one another. This translates into clearer thinking and understanding aka – less brain fog.
I have been a ‘mover’ all my life and now and then life gets busy and I feel like moving and exercising is a luxury, it will take too much time, and I need to get focused on the important things. The problem with that is that once exercise and movement get put on the back burner the brain starts struggling. Our bodies have nowhere to go with all our stress, anxiety, inactivity, and it affects us in many negative ways. Once I come back to exercise or just more movement in my daily life I am always amazed by the change! We can be more productive in a short space of time. I am sure everyone can relate to this feeling in one way or another and the beauty of it is that nothing on the outside changes yet our ability to cope with it all has. We are capable – We were made to do hard things!
Incorporate it into your day:
Start each day with movement.
It doesn’t have to be big; it doesn’t have to be hectic (unless you want to of course – talking to all those morning people, right?). Peaceful, flowing movements or stretches in the morning is a great way to send wake-up signals to your brain getting it fully online and ready for action.
Try to move between your daily activities.
Just move. Walk, do jumping jacks, burpees, sun salutations, put music on, and dance. Here is where you can be creative as you want but the important thing is to move. Move that stagnant energy to allow better focus for your next task.
Exercise
Getting our heart rate up is so important for our cognitive function and our bodies. Try exercising a minimum of three times a week for 30 min. Do something that gets you excited! That way there is more chance of actually sticking to it.
End your day with gentle movements.
Gentle stretching just before bed is a great way to release the tension of the day, calm your body and get ready for sleep. Movement and exercise will never have the benefit we want if we are not taking the time to rest and recuperate. Fatigue will counteract what we are trying to achieve with movement.
Moving our bodies is a keystone to our health and wellbeing, make sure that you are moving in ways that you enjoy. In ways that make you feel alive and fulfilled! Be easy on yourself, even just a few extra minutes a day walking can already show a shift in our mental wellbeing. Meditation or deep breathing is a great addition to your daily movement, read more in our article: 4 Easy steps to Emotional Wellbeing
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