The Power of Movement

“Whatever it is in life, I’ve found that movement has carried me through.” Catie Miller

How do you feel about the way your own body moves through life? 

It’s simple to say that when you zoom out and take a birds-eye look at life.. movement can be found everywhere, in the simple and the complex!

Just think, in the time that you’ve been reading:

The planet has moved that little further around the sun.

Millions of your cells have converted nutrients into energy.

Your heart has moved blood to all areas of the body. 

Multiple breath cycles have passed through your respiratory system. 

We are always in a constant state of flux, internally and externally. So natural that it’s easy to take it all for granted.  

Considering this, it’s worth asking, How well are we all moving through an average day? And in a world of gym gains and ‘before and after photos, are we underestimating our potential for holistic movement?

We have some great tips for helping your mind and body excel in what it was so beautifully designed to do: 

BEST FOOT FORWARD

Footwear choice runs much deeper than a fashion statement. Try rotating your shoes in your wardrobe and wear a different pair each day. Doing this can challenge the body to re-adapt the way it moves from the ground up. Keep guessing, and you’ll keep each pair of shoes for far longer!

BUILD YOURSELF A WAKE-UP ROUTINE

Start to experiment with a simple and practical movement sequence that you can repeat every morning upon waking up. Ideally, it can be adapted to suit your needs from one week to the next. 

“When my alarm goes off at 5.45, which is a push at times, my legs go over the bed, I sit there for a moment with my feet on the ground, and I just breathe.” Catie Miller

For Catie, a morning routine means taking five minutes of seated stretches upon waking, which offers a moment of solitude and an effective mind-body connection for the day ahead. 

INTRODUCE VARIATION AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE

Hard as this may be, embracing change rather than resisting it can help us move through challenges. Routines are essential to instil good habits, but Catie recommends adjusting our patterns as often as possible. “because, in that exchange of energy, things can start to happen.” This could be as simple as throwing a barre class into your week when you don’t typically exercise or taking a different walking route to the shops. In these little shifts, you open your brain and body to new learning experiences rather than staying stagnant in a comfort zone. 

LEAN INTO THE JOY

What drives you to move? When was the last time you chose to move your body for the sheer joy of it rather than for a specific outcome? 

So the next time you choose to raise your heart rate, ask yourself – am I doing this because it’s enjoyable, or because I think I ‘should’? If working out feels like a burden, it might be time to find a different exercise method.

GET REFLECTIVE ON THE BIGGER PICTURE. 

Your relationship with movement is more significant than a sweaty fitness class. Some food for thought: 

Am I moving with the seasons, eating naturally available produce?

Am I moving with my gut instinct when I make decisions?

Am I moving in a way that complements my circadian rhythm?

Am I moving towards a goal that excites and challenges me?

I know mental health is the greatest indicator of how well I’m moving through life. If I feel anxious or depressed, it is because I’ve lost a sense of flow in how I interact with the world around me, others and myself. If you’re feeling stuck, shifts can be made to bring yourself back into alignment. If this also speaks to you, it’s helpful to spend some time journaling your thoughts. But more importantly, the power of movement is all around us. Just keep moving.