There is one sure fire way to help reduce your stress. And that is to have some form of movement in your day. I didn’t say exercise. Because I promised not to write about that, because many don’t like that word or any attempts to do it. It seems to hold a certain image of pain, dissatisfaction and at times even tears. But you can move your body without having to perform an exercise routine. The beauty of it is that almost any movement is healthy for your body and mind. So don’t give up on reading about this. It’s time to expand our thinking on physical movement.
WHY MOVE YOUR BODY
What’s the big deal about moving your body every day? Movement is part of our bodies mind-body connection. Or what effects our body effects our mind too and vice versa. Most of us are aware of the many physical benefits to our bodies from movement, such as better heart health. The mental and psychological benefits may not be as well known. In addition to helping to manage your stress, movement can help with depression, anxiety, and self-worth. This is due to the release of endorphins. These are feel-good brain boosting chemicals that work for you in relaxing and lowering stress by reducing the perception of pain and giving you a positive feeling.
When you’re moving you usually are breathing more too. That kind of breathing can help to release tension and cause you to relax. Just moving alone warms up the muscles helping to release tension and thus reducing stress.
WHAT KIND OF MOVEMENT
Just about any kind of movement can cause your body to begin relaxing and reduce your stress. So here are some movements that qualify and see if there is at least one that you enjoy: Dancing, gardening, cleaning (not on my list of enjoyable moving, but others swear by it), walking, hiking, gentle yoga, pilates, biking, skating, surfing, boogie boarding, fun sports, golfing, pickle ball, tennis, swimming, tai chi, core work, frisbee throwing, ball throwing and catching, and many more.
If you’re enjoying it, then you are staying present or in the moment. That’s mindfulness. Also, a great way to reduce stress.
Whatever movement you choose, try to keep the movement going for 5-10 minutes. Longer if you have more time. If you don’t, no worries, maybe you can do 2-3 movement periods throughout the day. It adds up and still counts towards helping your stress.
Take a look at this picture of some fun sports equipment of fun activities you may not have thought about or might not have seen for awhile.
COMBINE WITH OTHER STRESS REDUCTION TECHNIQUES
To really get the most out of your movement combine it with other stress management techniques. Here are some examples that are also links to the article on this website for further information on it. Just tap the name in blue.
NATURE – Take a walk or if possible do your moving at the park, forest, beach or wherever there’s nature.
STRETCHING – After your movement some nice slow gentle stretching will top off the physical time you’ve spent moving.
BREATHING TECHNIQUES – This is another great technique to end your time moving, wind down, and feel great.
Maybe you can think of other techniques that would work great with movement. Feel free to share it in the comments.
The most important point to take from this information is that your body will benefit and feel great from the movements you choose. It will definitely end up being a lot better than doing nothing. You are well worth more than nothing. You are a wonderful, beautiful person and you deserve to feel better. And that can be achieved in as little as 10 minutes or less.
In the singing words of Lee Ann Womack “And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.”
Stress Less Today 
Such good tips! Whenever I am grappling with a decision or some negative emotions, I like to “walk it out.” A couple miles at a brisk pace and I always feel better after, and usually experience greater mental clarity as well!
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That’s great! It really does help so much. Thank you for sharing.
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