Valuable Positive Body Movement That Will Actually Boost Your Mental Health

It’s December. The weather is colder. The sun goes down sooner. And if you’re anything like me, the level of physical activity plummets. Tis the season of seasonal depression and anxiety.

But this time of year is a great opportunity to remind you (and myself) that there is a big connection between your physical health and your mental health. For the sake of your mental health, it’s important to keep moving.

Now I am not talking full blown, hard core, join the gym working out. If that’s for you, then you do you boo boo.

What I am talking about is Positive Body Movement. Positive Body Movement is moving as a celebration of your body to enjoy your capabilities and feel good. Doing so with these intentions can not only help your physical health, but your mental health too.

What are the health benefits to Positive Body Movement?

• Increases Energy
• Better Sleep
• Reduces Anxiety and Depression
• Increases Motivation
• Opportunity to Reset and Clear Your Mind
• Stress Relief
• Creates and Maintains Routine and Healthy Habits and Behaviors
• Increases Happy Hormones and Endorphins
• Boosts Your Mood
• Improves Overall Mental Health
• Improves Cardiovascular and Physical Health

What are examples of Positive Body Movement?

• Walking
• Cleaning
• Stretching
• Yoga
• Dance
• Meditation
• Swimming
• Biking
• Hiking

Anything can be Positive Body Movement if you have the right intentions. It’s important to remember that Positive Body Movement does not involve measuring or earning. Don’t take the joy out of the joyful movement.

No Measuring – distance, time, calories, etc.

No Earning – food, calories, treats, etc.

This time of year can be particularly difficult to follow through with some sort of positive movement. We often find ourselves relaxing on the couch earlier when the sun goes down, overwhelmed with increased work tasks, stressed about money and shopping for family and parties. Quite frankly, this season can be draining for anyone.

How to add in Positive Body Movement this season?

• Start Small – short walks, movement in the house, cleaning, etc.
• Take a Friend or a Pet – company and moral support helps to make it more enjoyable
• Listen To A Podcast or Playlist While You Move – give your mind a chance to unwind from the stress and enjoy something you like or learn something new while you move

By participating in Positive Body Movement, you can celebrate you and practice healthy self-love behaviors. Don’t let the seasonal stress get you down. Take a break and move a little. Most of all, remember that I love you and you should love you too.