Blog Post 5. Movement for the Mind: Stress Relief Through Exercise
So I think I already know how most of our weeks have been going, we've been staring at the same screens for hours on end. Your to-do list has not gotten any smaller and your brain is starting to feel like it's running on fumes. Constantly pushing through may seem like the easy option, however maybe the real solution is stepping away.
Movement isn't just for your body, it's a reset button for your mind. A walk around campus, a simple stretch when on your lunch break, or even just a few deep breaths with your shoulders rolled back. When your moving your body releases all that built up tension starting to slowly clear your mind.
This week on Take a Break we are focusing on rediscovering that connection between your mind and body. Exercise isn't just another box to check, weather its a full on sprint or dancing around your bedroom, think of movement as your way to pause, recharge, and come back stronger.
Stress relief through exercise
Being stressed out is one of the most stressful things you deal with day to day. We all know it shows up in more ways than just the classic panic attack that society says is the only symptom. You can see it when your mind is racing, tense shoulders, or even that constant tired but weird feeling. What we may be missing is our bodies actually hold onto all of this stress long after our minds have moved on. Thats where the importance of movement comes in.
When you exercise even for just ten minutes your brain releases endorphins. Thats those feel good chemicals that lift up your mood and ease anxiety. At the same time, your body lowers levels of cortisol during exercise. Cortisol is that stress hormone that is constantly keeping your system on high alert.
Stress relief through movement doesn't mean going out and doing HIT exercise all day everyday. Sometimes a slow walk around the block or a dew deep stretches before bed is enough, or like Christina and Meredith always did Dance it out!
When we think about how exercise is a conversation between your mind and body each step, stretch, or breathe reminds your nervous system that you are safe.
The science of movement
When you are moving your body your brain is moving as well in really good ways. Studies have shown that even short bursts of physical energy prompts your brain to reduce levels of hormones that are causing you harm in the long run.
There is also research out there that suggests exercise can make your brain more resilient. Its actively improving the function of areas like the prefrontal cortex which helps regulate all of the stress responses. Your brain becomes better at adapting, learning and bouncing back.
Exercise isn't always about how muscular you can get. What the core of exercise is and why so many people participate in it is because its all about your mental clarity, mood stabilization, and easing the weight of stress. A little movement a day can change the way your brain responds to your day overall.
Putting it all together
Taking a break through movement is just the start. The more you start to understand the why behind it, the more you are likely to make it apart of your everyday routine. If this weeks post left you even the tiniest bit curious this section is for you. Here we are going to talk about three ways you can implement movement into your life.
Learning how the chemicals in your body effect each other is a huge part of adding movement into your life. A lot of people actually find it easier to commit to something once they have spent the time and energy learning more about the process. Another tip you can do if running or lifting weights isn't your think, you could look into yoga, tai chi, or mindful walking. each of these combine breathe, balance, and body awareness to help reduce anxiety and improve your focus throughout the day. The last tip that i have for you today is one that can be brought into most of these blogs. Building sustainable habits is so important. Consistency matters more than intensity. Habit stacking is pairing small movement with a already planned routine, stretch before grabbing a cup of coffee before you walk to class. It's an easy way to make movement your default setting.
Remember, you don't need a full workout plan to care for your mind. Just give it the attention, motion, and few mindful moments each day. When you move, move for clarity, not perfection. Always remember your mind and body are on the same team, your the captain.
Check out this Playlist for your next workout!
Thank you for reading!
What’s one way you can move your body today? Not for fitness, but for focus? Pause, move, and share your own mini-break moments.
Come back next week with your running shoes again because we are chasing new friendships and how they really help us. Things are going to go fast!
Don't forget to check out the blog on all socials!
