It is no secret that regular exercise and movement is essential to health and wellbeing. For much of human history, humans have spent the majority of their days in constant motion. Whether they were running from prey or searching for food (hunting, planting and harvesting) –movement was integrated into almost every aspect of daily life. Not so in our modern era. Our lives have become more and more sedentary – with some rather unpleasant consequences.
Besides keeping the body in shape, exercise also helps the mind. Did you know that physical exercise increases the brain’s production of endorphins? Endorphins are those feel-good neurotransmitters that are responsible for the sense of well-being and euphoria. Exercise is just one of activity that releases endorphins. For this reason, regular exercise and movement can help to improve mood and lower symptoms of mild depression and anxiety.
I have used exercise as a means of dealing with stress since I was a teenager. It was only within the past few years that I have been in tune enough with my body, to know what type of exercise I need. When time is limited, I have found that squeezing in short bursts of movement – taking the long way to the bathroom at work, a walk at lunchtime, squats before leaving the bathroom stall – go a long way in helping to relieve stress and encourage deeper breathing. Other days I enjoy a longer workout (out in nature or at the gym) to help not only cope with stress, but to mitigate the effects of having a desk job.
I’ve also realized that movement in nature has been the most beneficial and thus remains my personal favorite. It helps clear my head and takes my mind off of worries. I consider it a form of informal mindfulness – as I am aware of the sights and sounds around me. It’s meditation in motion, which is fantastic for stress management!