How Movement Supports Mental Health
When we think about mental health, we often picture sitting across from a therapist, talking through our thoughts and feelings. And that’s an incredibly important part of healing. But what if the body had something to say, too?
In a counselling practice that honours the mind-body connection, movement isn’t just about physical fitness — it’s about emotional flow, nervous system regulation, and the simple but powerful act of coming home to ourselves.
Movement of Your Brain
Movement can shift our mental state in powerful ways. When we walk, stretch, dance, or breathe deeply through yoga, we’re not just moving muscles — we’re supporting the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins. These chemicals help regulate mood, reduce anxiety, and bring a sense of calm or clarity.
But movement also gives us something subtler: a chance to slow down and notice. Whether it’s the rhythm of our feet hitting the pavement or the stretch of our arms overhead, movement anchors us in the present — a natural antidote to worry, racing thoughts, or feeling stuck.
Why the Body Needs to Process, Too
For many people, emotions don’t just live in the mind — they’re carried in the body. Tension in the shoulders after a hard day. A tight chest during anxious moments. A lump in the throat when sadness is near.
Movement offers a pathway for these feelings to move through us, rather than stay stuck. That might look like:
A slow walk after a difficult conversation
Restorative yoga to unwind from a state of overwhelm
A shake-out or dance break to release pent-up energy
When the body moves, emotions often move with it.
Everyday Ways to Invite Movement In
You don’t need a gym membership or a fancy routine to benefit from the mental health boost of movement. Here are a few gentle, everyday practices to consider:
Mindful Walking: Focus on your breath and the feeling of your feet on the ground. Even five minutes can shift your state.
Gentle Stretching: Notice where your body feels tight or sore. Move slowly and with intention.
Breath-Linked Movement: Try a few rounds of moving your arms overhead on the inhale and lowering them on the exhale. This helps connect breath and body.
Somatic Movement: Let your body move however it wants — without choreography, pressure, or perfection.
A Simple Grounding Practice: Breath and Movement
Here’s a short practice you can try right now. It’s designed to help you reconnect with your body and reset your nervous system.
Body + Breath Grounding (3–5 Minutes)
Stand or sit comfortably. Let your feet rest flat on the floor. Feel the ground beneath you.
Take a slow breath in. As you inhale, gently raise your arms overhead.
Exhale slowly. Lower your arms back down, letting your shoulders relax.
Repeat this 3–5 times, moving with your breath. Let the pace be natural — no need to rush or force.
Now, gently sway side to side, letting your arms hang loose. Notice any sensations in your body.
End with stillness. Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly. Feel your breath. Notice how your body feels now, without judgment.
You can return to this practice any time you feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or simply want to come back to yourself.
If this inspires you, you can reach out to Cedar & Sky Wellness to continue your grounding journey https://cedarandskywellness.ca