What do you think of when you ponder working out? You may associate this with a whole lot of huffing and puffing, sweat, and a racing heartbeat, but a new trend offers a different way to think about exercise. It’s called gentle movement, and it has a great set of health benefits.
Gentle movement helps us reconnect in a world that’s constantly moving at a very fast pace. It includes practices like yoga, Pilates, walking, meditation, Tai Chi, and even gardening—basically, any activity that allows you to slow down and foster a stronger mind-body connection.
Supporters of gentle movement say that one of the main benefits is the regulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, which can improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and strengthen our ability to cope with stress. Some practices, such as yoga, may also benefit posture and aid our bodies in recovery from high-impact exercises.
It is important when we start a new activity, whether it is yoga, playing an instrument, or gardening, we establish good body mechanics. Additionally, if we develop pain doing a gentle movement activity there may be adjustments in your body position that can relieve the pain, says Peter Arabadjis, MD, physician, Northern Light Physiatry.
Dr. Arabadjis adds, “We are all unique, and it is better for you to participate and enjoy the activity while listening to your body, than try to keep up with the instructor.”
Gentle movement is the idea that slowing down and participating in being fully present and kind to your mind and body can improve your mental and physical wellness. There's no ultimate list of gentle movement activities, but practices that allow you to physically and mentally slow down and offer respite from daily mental and physical stress, and don't necessarily measure their success by calories burned generally qualify.
Jeanna Bjorn, PT, Manager of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Services at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center says, “It’s easy for any of us to convince ourselves we are too busy to exercise, but even 15 minutes of walking, one of the most basic forms of gentle movement, has significant benefits. While we stretch, or walk, or garden, we are actively moving while also taking the time to focus on the task, and more importantly, focus on ourselves. Any type of gentle movement contributes to balancing our physical and emotional health.”
When we move in a slower, more deliberate way, it brings our nervous systems back into balance and out of fight or flight mode, allowing a calming essence to overcome the wear and tear, stress of the everyday life. Experiment with different gentle movement programs that resonate with you. After all, the point of any gentle movement practice is to help you find centeredness, joy, and connection with the most important person in your life: yourself.
What can you do today to be gentle with your body?
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