The Quiet Power of Movement: Why It’s So Much More Than Exercise
Life often feels like it’s moving at a thousand miles an hour, leaving us with little time for ourselves. Between work, family responsibilities, and social obligations, it’s easy to overlook the importance of taking care of our physical and mental health. One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to improve our wellbeing is through movement. A few minutes of activity, whether it's stretching, walking, or dancing, can have a significant impact on both our body and mind.
Movement is more than just a way to stay fit. It has the incredible ability to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and boost energy levels. One of the most immediate effects of moving your body is a drop in stress levels. Physical activity helps regulate cortisol, the hormone linked to stress, while increasing the production of endorphins, our body’s natural mood enhancers. A short walk around the block or a few minutes of stretching can leave you feeling more relaxed and better able to cope with the pressures of the day.
But the benefits of movement extend far beyond stress relief. Regular physical activity has been shown to improve mental health, with numerous studies highlighting its positive effects on conditions like anxiety and depression. Movement allows you to disconnect from the pressures of everyday life and focus on something positive. It provides a natural way to clear your mind and reset. And when we take the time out to move we inadvertently create space in the mind to welcome in clarity through new ideas. Whether you’re facing a challenging day or simply need a moment of peace, moving your body can bring clarity and calm.
Interestingly, you don’t need to commit to long hours at the gym or intense workout routines to experience these benefits. Even small, consistent movements can lead to noticeable improvements. Taking two minutes to stretch at your desk, doing a quick walk, or engaging in a brief workout can have a significant effect on circulation, energy levels, and mental focus. The key is to make movement a regular part of your routine, rather than seeing it as a once-in-a-while event. Small changes, when practiced consistently, can add up to big improvements in both your physical and mental health.
The beauty of movement is that it doesn’t need to feel like a burden. Finding activities that you enjoy is crucial to making movement a sustainable habit. Some may love the quiet calm of yoga, while others thrive in the high-energy atmosphere of dancing or running. The goal is to find something that excites you and fits into your life. When movement is enjoyable, it becomes something you look forward to, rather than something you feel obligated to do.
Another great benefit of movement is the sense of community it can create. Exercising with a friend or joining a group class can provide both social support and accountability. When you share the experience with others, it can make the activity more enjoyable and motivate you to stick with it.
Incorporating movement into your day doesn’t just improve your physical health – it nurtures your overall wellbeing. Taking time to move your body is a way to give back to yourself, whether it’s a short stretch to start your day, a lunchtime walk, or dancing around the house to your favourite song. These small acts of movement can have a profound effect on your mental clarity, mood, and energy levels.
The power of movement lies in its simplicity. By committing to just a few minutes of movement every day, you can improve your physical health, reduce stress, and create a more balanced and fulfilling life.
This reflection was gently inspired by my conversation with Vanessa Leone on Soul Therapy with Chelle. Vanessa is a somatic movement therapist and the creator of the beautiful term SLOWGRESS — a concept that invites us to relate to movement as something tender, intuitive, and grounded in safety, rather than pressure or performance. In our chat, she offered heartfelt insights into how we can reconnect with our bodies in ways that feel supportive, especially when we're carrying stress, anxiety, burnout or past trauma. You can listen to our full conversation here and explore more of Vanessa’s kind and grounding work at vlmovementtherapy.com.
If you’re ready to begin your own healing journey and reconnect with your soul’s true essence, I invite you to visit www.chellegriffin.com to learn more about the transformative spiritual practices and healing services available. Together, we can explore the path toward healing, growth, and sovereignty. You don’t have to walk this path alone—let’s walk it together.