Movement as rest, rest as movement

I am sure that you will have heard of mindfulness and the benefits for our mental wellbeing. 

One of the easiest ways to access this idea is in movement. Because when we pay attention to our bodies it helps us get out of our minds and into the present moment. 

Why bother? 

Because it helps us step away from our stressors and anxiety. And because movement is a great way to complete the stress cycle and reduce cortisol. 

The breath is an excellent place to start, but sometimes our minds are so busy that it’s hard to stop still and breath. 

Some suggestions for mindful movement practice 

1. A walk in which you pay attention to how you are moving, notice how your feet hit the ground, your ankles, knees, hips, back, shoulders, arms and head. Pay attention to each in turn. Even for a few moments. 

2. A walk in which you tune into what you can see, hear, feel and smell. Notice the smallest details in the environment around you. 

3. Take an every day activity - cooking, washing up, folding laundry, even during your working day and pay attention to how you move. The number of times you squat, or twist, whether your shoulders are tense or teeth are gritted etc etch.

4. When you wake up in the morning give yourself a minute just to stretch and move every joint in your body before you get on with your day? 

5. Take a stretch break from your desk, just before a meeting or a call. Tune into how your body feels. 

I also have a short audio to help with a mindful walk here

https://soundcloud.com/lesley-727752887/sets/mindful-walks-for-uncertain-times