Greetings!
Here we’re going to focus on the root word of this one: emotion. It’s the word “motion.”
Let’s talk physical movement. Now, I’m not going to give you a long list of exercises to try. Absolutely not, because exercise is such a personal thing and you know your body better than anyone.
But one thing I want to share is this: I did hear awhile back that there’s an interesting connection between the words “motion” and “emotion”. The word “motion” is in “emotion” for a reason: when we move our bodies, our emotions improve.
The key to managing your stress and emotions, and finding that sweet spot of balance might very well be as simple as getting up and moving your body each day.
The Link Between Physical Activity and Emotional Balance
It might sound surprising but the connection between physical activity and balanced emotions is profound. When we move our bodies, whether through a brisk walk, a dance session, a yoga class or playing pickleball, a bunch of positive changes happen within us.
One of the most noticeable effects is the release of endorphins, often called the “feel-good” hormones. These natural mood lifters help reduce stress and anxiety, and promote a sense of well-being and emotional stability. Physical activity also improves blood circulation, so your brain gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function optimally.
Stress Management Through Movement
Stress is often the biggest factor behind emotional imbalances, and daily movement can be a powerful stress management tool.
When you’re under stress, your body’s fight-or-flight response kicks in, flooding your system with stress hormones like cortisol. By engaging in physical activity, you’re giving your body a healthy outlet to release these hormones, reduce stress and allowing your emotions to regain equilibrium.
This explains why even just a little exercise can clear our mind, lift our mood and even make us smile 😊
Simple Ways to Incorporate Movement for Emotional Balance
Time is such a precious commodity that it’s often downright hard to find ways to move each day that are actually good for our emotional and physical health.
But, there are simple ways you can incorporate movement for finding emotional balance each day. For example, you can try these things:
· Begin your day with a few minutes of stretching or take a short walk to set a positive emotional tone for the day.
· When you’re out during the day, take the stairs instead of the elevator if you can, or park your car a little further away when out shopping to get in some extra steps.
· In the evening, try winding down with some gentle stretching to prepare your body for a restful night’s sleep.
So, today, reflect on whether some daily movement could help you feel better emotionally.
If you want to give this tip a try, I’ll be sharing some daily movement tips on my blog that anyone can do, regardless of your age, health and current fitness level.
And I know, as the weather gets colder, there’s a natural tendency to want to hibernate and eat chocolate on the sofa while binge watching Netflix.
We’ve all been preached to about the physical benefits of exercise – we know it helps with weight loss, toning and building muscles, maintaining bone density and much more. It can seem overwhelming to get going let alone stick with a daily fitness routine.
This week, I invite you to focus on the emotional benefits of daily exercise. And it’s not the intensity of the activity that matters, it’s about consistency – even if it’s a single small thing you do every day. Find a way to move that you actually enjoy; this way, you’re more likely to stick with it each day. When you embrace the power of simple daily movement, you could very well find your emotions becoming more balanced. And you’ll reap all those amazing physical benefits too.
Daily movement is just one grounding tool in your mind-body wellness toolbox. And it’s definitely a powerful one.
If you’d like some help with getting started with a daily movement routine, why not schedule a free lifestyle coaching session with me? You can do it here.
Grab your free copy of my monthly newsletter, Grounded in Love by clicking here. You can also get your free copy of my guide, 5 Ways to Instantly Destress and Gain Mental Clarity here.