The Relationship Between Movement & Mental Health

This Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect time to reflect on how your daily habits are impacting your mental well-being, especially when it comes to focusing on movement as a way to calm your mind. 

Whether you're facing mental health challenges or simply aiming to maintain a balanced mindset, everyone deserves a calm, healthy state of mind. And more often than not, that mental clarity starts with taking care of your body.

Move for Better Mental Health

Our bodies are built to move. They thrive on functional, dynamic activity that strengthens ligaments, muscles, bones and everything that makes up our physical form. 

When you start to view movement this way, it becomes clear why a lack of physical activity often impacts your mental well-being. When the body is stagnant, the mind tends to follow.

Why Does The Brain Like Movement? 

The brain thrives on movement for several reasons. Physical activity triggers the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which boost mood and motivation. 

Regular movement strengthens critical brain areas such as the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, essential for memory and decision-making. This acts as a shield against cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.

On top of that, physical activity provides a valuable distraction, helping break free from negative thought patterns and reducing stress and anxiety. Exercise also enhances sleep quality, which is often a fundamental factor in many mental health struggles.

Simple Ways to Get Moving

Exercise is great for mental health, but it's important to recognise that breaking unhealthy habits can be really tough. Low mood, anxiety and depression can significantly impact self-esteem and motivation, making the first step seem exceptionally daunting. 

That’s why it’s important to start with very simple, easy-to-incorporate steps into your daily routine. Here are some gentle ways to begin adding movement to your day, even when you have low energy:

• Take a quick 5-10 minute walk around your home or neighbourhood.
• Add some simple stretches to your daily routine.
• Try gentle yoga with beginner-friendly videos.
• Do seated exercises like leg lifts or marches when energy is low.
• Get outside and do things like gardening or playing with your pets.
• Set small goals, like standing up and stretching every hour.

Small Steps Forward

Remember, you don't have to be a daily gym-goer or a fitness fanatic to start incorporating movement into your life. If social media and constant comparisons are taking a toll on your mental health, it’s important to seek out safe, mental-health-friendly spaces to move. Your friends and family can be great support; ask them to join you for a walk or a short run. 

Feeling isolated can magnify negative feelings, and progress is often easier when you’re not alone. Finding supportive, understanding people to share this journey with can make a big difference. Start small, stay consistent, and remember, every little bit of movement counts towards nurturing a healthier, more balanced mind.