The Benefits of Mindful Movement
Written By Kim Deschamps | December 16, 2022
Mindful Movement is the Most…
Satisfying
Beneficial
Calming
We think mindful movement is simply the best.
The first time I took a yoga class that was specifically touted for stress relief, I was surprised. I had imagined lots of gentle child poses, long, leisurely twists, and deep, slow stretches. Instead, it was downright challenging – flows and plank poses galore. But guess what? It worked!
It worked because it took me out of my head and into my body. Away from those pesky negative thoughts and into my breathing.
Mindful movement works the same way. When we shift our focus to our body as it moves – running, walking, stretching, or dancing (dancing is also simply the best) – it becomes impossible to dwell on what went wrong in the past or what might not go right in the future. Your body only knows ‘now.’ If you listen to your body, you’ll automatically be present in the here and now.
There are some other benefits to mindful movement. One is that by being more aware of how your body moves and feels every day, you’ll be quicker to assess any changes. When your left foot starts coming down harder on the run than it used to, when your right shoulder creeps up to your ear in tension, or when you just feel more sluggish today than you did yesterday, take note. This will allow you to take the necessary steps to correct imbalances, rest when needed, and prevent injury or illness.
Mindful movement also has rewards beyond your time on the mat, trail, or track. In everyday life, at work or with friends and family, you’ll start to become more in tune with the way your body responds to different situations. Start to feel stress affecting your posture or causing you to fidget? You’ll recognize it and you’ll know how many deep breaths or how long of a short walk you need to restore your sense of calm. Then, you can react with a cool head.
I have found that by regularly practicing mindful movement, I absorb more joy from the world around me. I can better recognize and appreciate the glorious sensations of a summer breeze on my skin, the tingling in the air before a thunderstorm, the awe of a spectacular sunrise that can fill a heart – or the simple yet all-encompassing satisfaction of a slice of chocolate cream pie.
How can you build mindful movement into your everyday life? It’s surprisingly simple. Any time you exercise, turn your thoughts inward instead of letting them run amok. Search your limbs and your core for places that feel pain or fatigue or the part of your body loving that one side stretch and wanting to stay there longer. Make adjustments to your movements and observe how your body responds.
Mindful movement, like all movement, is truly a gift that you can give yourself. Your body is incredible, it is complex, and it can do so many amazing things. Take the time to appreciate it, give it deep breaths for full oxygenation, and give it proper attention. Then you’ll know exactly when it needs more – or less – of something.
And dance, baby, dance!
Kim Deschamps
MPT, BKin, PYT, BDN