A healthy lifestyle must include movement. It keeps us agile and strong, and it also works wonders for stress reduction. However, not all movement is equal. In this post, we’ll discuss what mindful movement is and how to incorporate it into your daily routine for health and wellness.

WHY DO WE MOVE WITH MINDFULNESS? Exercise that emphasizes being in the present moment is known as mindful movement. It all comes down to being conscious of your body and the environment around it, as well as moving safely and healthily for you. Yoga classes and nature walks are two examples of mindful movement activities. The most important thing is to move with awareness of your body and breath, not allowing your mind stray.

GOOD MINDS 3 BENEFITS OF MINDFUL MOVEMENT FOR A HEALTHY BODY Three advantages of conscious movement are as follows:

1. LOWERS STRESS When you are stressed, the fight-or-flight reflex is triggered. Your muscles tense up, your heart rate and blood pressure increase, and you become in this state. { * } You can unwind and lower your stress by moving with awareness. A study including 25 MS patients discovered that mindful movement enhanced relationships, walking, and sleep quality in addition to lowering stress and discomfort. { * }

Improves relaxation and sleep. According to some study, moving mindfully before bed can promote an easier time falling asleep and a more peaceful night’s sleep. { * } Before going to bed, try some mindful movement to unwind from the day. You might be shocked by how much more soundly you sleep!

3. INCREASES LIFE QUALITY Moving with awareness could benefit your health as well as your overall quality of life. One study found that participants in a Mindful Movement Program for breast cancer survivors had a higher quality of life. { * }

WHY IS CONSCIOUS MOTION IMPORTANT? Moving with awareness is advantageous because it keeps your body and mind in good shape. When you are conscious of your movements, you are more likely to exercise and to use proper form without going overboard. { * } You can prevent injuries and reduce stress and anxiety by doing this. It’s simpler to set aside other concerns when you pay attention to your body and breath, which promotes mental calmness.

WHAT WAYS ARE THERE TO INCLUDE MINDFUL MOVEMENT IN YOUR LIFE? You can include mindful movement into your everyday practice using a variety of techniques. To get you started, consider the following tactics:

1. GOING OUTSIDE TO WALK A fantastic method to move your body and breathe in some fresh air is to go for a walk outside. As you walk, pay attention to the sights, sounds, and fragrances that are all around you. Bring your attention back to the present whenever your thoughts begin to stray.

2. YOGA Yoga is a well-liked kind of mindful exercise that can be done at home or in a studio. Find a form of yoga that is suited for you; there are several. As you perform the positions, try to keep your attention on your breath and body.

QIGONG 3. Chinese martial art known as qigong involves particular bodily movements while concentrating on the breath. { * } Balance, flexibility, and strength are all enhanced by qigong. If you’d want to learn more about this practice, there are online qigong classes and videos that you may watch.

TAI CHI 4. Chinese martial art known as tai chi has been practiced for hundreds of years and has several advantages. { * } Although some forms of Tai Chi are more rapid than others, they always place emphasis on the same concept: concentrated breathing as you transition from one posture to the next. Online Tai Chi classes can be available.

4. CONSCIOUS SWIMMING You’ll appreciate mindful swimming if you like to unwind in the water. This is a terrific method to work on your breath and movement while also getting some cardio. Concentrate on your technique as you begin slowly. You can pick up the pace as you get more at ease. Here are some things to remember:

Start with a slow sidestroke or breaststroke. Use even, fluid strokes. Be mindful of your breathing and movements. Pay attention to how the water feels as it passes over your body. LIFT WEIGHTS, 6. Lifting weights is one of the finest strategies to maintain a healthy mind and body. { * } Lifting weights mindfully can help you focus on good form, prevent injuries, and reach your fitness objectives. Take it gradually and focus on short isometric exercises to get more out of your strength training. For example, holding a bicep curl for five seconds before gradually releasing it will yield better results than lifting and lowering the weight fast. You can also try additional workouts like shoulder shrugs, tricep kickbacks, chest presses, and squats.

A FEW FINAL NOTES ON MINDFUL MOVEMENT Moving with awareness can make your life healthier. It can be a fantastic method to lower stress, improve mental health, and raise your level of physical exercise. You can get more in tune with your own physical and emotional needs by becoming more conscious of your body and its movement. As a result, you might be able to make wiser decisions regarding your health and welfare.

* 0 is a physical therapist in private practice and a wellness blogger. She considers herself an outdoorsy girly girl and is enthusiastic about the health and wellness of women. She enjoys playing tennis, hiking, golfing, and practicing self-care when she is not working.