Move Your Body to Shift Your Mood

Without question, many of us are deeply affected right now by external world events out of our control. People are struggling with feelings of anxiety, depression, helplessness, frustration, fear, and anger—and rightfully so. How can we deal with everything?

There are many ways. Some people pray or meditate. Others try to be of service, or mobilize in protest. Still others focus on their circle of influence or what's more readily in their ability to change. If you genuinely need mental or emotional health assistance, please reach out to a qualified healthcare provider.

Here's an additional suggestion to add to that point of action.

Psychology Today reports there's a connection between "a lack of daily movement with negative impacts on brain health." Unfortunately, even if you know you'll feel a bit brighter if you move around a little, it's often challenging to break the loop of not feeling well enough to do so.

But there are copious amounts of research that indicate even a 10 minute walk—on the sidewalk, down the hall, in your driveway, whatever—will:

• Release endorphins that help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.

• Improve emotion regulation.

• Help stop rumination or worrying.

• Boost cellular regeneration to neutralize stress chemicals.

There are some scientists who believe even 2 minutes of movement can help your cognitive function! Honestly, we all have time for that.

So the next time you're feeling overwhelmed, take a walk. Do a little yoga (I'm contractually obligated to make that suggestion!) Dance around the living room. Jump up and down. Simply start with 2–10 minutes and see how much more you'd like to do, if any. Build upon this habit each day—or multiple times a day—so you can have more control over what's accessible for you to positively change in the moment.

Photo by Jeffrey Grospe on Unsplash