When we’re depressed, usually the last thing we want to do is move our bodies. Yet movement is so incredibly important for relieving depression.
There have been countless studies on the effects of exercise on mental health. And exercising can look a countless number of ways, it doesn’t just mean running on the treadmill or lifting weights at the gym. The most important thing is that you are moving in a way that brings you joy!
And if you’re not quite sure how to move in a joy-inducing way, that’s okay. There are many different styles of movement to try out (which all count as exercise!) You could ice skate, take a hip hop class, learn to rock-climb, go on a walk or for a swim. Or, just put on your favorite song and dance around your living room!
Yet, if you’re in the place where you feel zero motivation for movement or trying new things, it’s good to try a bit of the following first to unfreeze your body, circulate your energy, and bring your spark for life back online.
SWAY
When you don’t feel like moving at all, you can move in a way that feels really gentle and easy. Start with just swaying your body from side to side, or forward and back. This simple movement is already getting things flowing in a powerful way.
SHAKE IT OFF
Once you feel things shifting, start to shake your body from head to toe. Turn on your favorite upbeat song and shake the whole time. This is discharging cortisol and mobilizing the freeze response! This might naturally turn into dancing or other intuitive forms of movement. Let your mind step aside and your body lead the way.
BREATH OF JOY
This is a breathing practice known for its ability to lift depression. Practice with bent knees and take a pause if you start to feel light-headed. It’s done at a rhythmic pace with a three-part inhale and open-mouthed exhale.
- From standing, inhale ⅓ and lift the arms in front of you at shoulder height.
- Inhale another ⅓ and reach the arms down and behind you.
- Inhale the rest of the way and reach the arms overhead.
- Exhale out the mouth and release the whole body forward into a fold.
- Repeat 5-10 times.
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