Anxious? Moving Your Body Can Help
Anxiety can be tricky. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it—whether you’re stressing about work, dealing with life’s curveballs, or just feeling a bit off. And while it might seem easier to hunker down and hope it passes, moving your body with gentle, intentional actions can be one of the best ways to shake off those overwhelming feelings and calm your mind.
When you’re anxious, your body tends to tense up—tight shoulders, clenched jaw, all that fun stuff. But here’s the thing: getting moving (and I’m not talking about smashing out a HIIT workout) can help release that tension and signal to your brain that its safe to relax.
Movement helps to:
- Ground Your Mind: Focusing on how your body feels right now can stop your mind from spiralling into a million “what-ifs.”
- Breathe Easier: Movement combined with deep, controlled breathing can help regulate your nervous system, shifting you from a state of stress to one of calm.
- Release Physical Tension: Gentle stretches and fluid movements help release stored tension in muscles, which can alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety.
Try These Mindful Movement Techniques
You don’t need to block out hours in your day or go hard at the gym to get the benefits. Here are some easy ways to move to help easy anxiety:
- Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Starting from your feet and working up to your head, tense each muscle group for a few seconds, then release. Notice how it feels when you let got of the tension.
- Gentle Yoga Flow: Focus on slow, deliberate movements with a strong emphasis on deep breathing. Simple poses like Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, and Seated Forward Bend are particularly calming.
- Walking Meditation: As you walk, pay attention to how your feet meet the ground, the rhythm of your steps, the feeling of the air on your skin, and the sounds around you. Let your mind be fully present.
- Tai Chi or Qigong: These practices combine slow, purposeful movements with deep breathing and mental focus, making them ideal for reducing stress and helping you to feel more centered.
You don’t need a lot of time to make this work. Just a few minutes of mindful movement can make a huge difference in how you feel. Try adding it into your morning routine, or use it as a go-to whenever you’re feeling a bit on edge.
The goal isn’t to be perfect or push yourself too hard. It’s about giving yourself a chance to breathe, move, and reconnect with your body.
If you want to dive deeper into this or want some guidance on how to make mindful movement a regular part of your life, I’m here to help so get in touch.
