Most people believe that body movement or exercise is directly connected to physical appearance, body image, or personalized weight goals. However, while these things may be true, body movement and exercise are directly connected to mental health as well.  While it may be surprising, engaging in regular exercise can serve as a critical tool for bolstering mental health, offering a range of benefits beyond physicality. Just like food nourishes the body and brain, so does movement!

Body movement signals our bodies to release endorphins, often called “feel good”, hormones, which can significantly impact an individual’s emotional state. These neurotransmitters interact with receptors in the brain, reducing pain perception and triggering feelings of euphoria and well-being. Movement helps regulate the body’s stress response and manage levels of cortisol, which is a hormone associated with heightened stress levels. Movement also serves as a way to elevate daily mood, improve overall self-esteem, can be a positive distraction from negative thoughts, and can be a source of building social supports. Mental clarity and resilience may also improve as a result of regular body movement. According to the Mayo Clinic and the American Psychological Association, light exercise such as walking can reduce depression by 16-18%.

While most of us are aware, or are told, that exercise is good for us, it is often viewed as another chore. It may be seen as another thing we need to fit into our already busy day, making it difficult to prioritize. However, the truth is that, regardless of our lifestyle, job, or schedule, there is always an opportunity to move our body!  If you are facing mental health challenges and are someone that does may not engage in regular body movement, it can be helpful to start small. Set small weekly goals for yourself to achieve, such as small walks on your lunch break, walks after work, or a fun yoga class during a slow weekend morning. It’s crucial to set goals that are actually achievable and align with your current level of exercise and lifestyle. Achievable goals help to keep you motivated and prevent potential discouragement. Enlisting a friend or family member who is willing to become your workout buddy can also serve as a source of motivation and accountability.

Additionally, prioritizing enjoyment and individual needs by selecting activities or plans that bring genuine joy and anticipation may help you stay committed to a more regular movement routine.

The benefits of making body movement a part of our everyday lives is so vast. Movement fuels our energy, improves our sleep, drives our social interaction, enhances our daily mood, and may help prevent burnout. At the end of the day, movement can be fun and can significantly improve overall life satisfaction and well-being.