Using Joyful Movement to Ease Anxiety Symptoms

If you’re like me (and I know many of you have told me you are), you likely deal with bouts of anxiety. These bouts of anxiousness can come in the form of anything from a slightly “off” feeling to a full-blown panic attack, and they can feel difficult to stop (or even prevent) once they start to come on.

However, all hope is not lost— there are quick things you can do to regulate your nervous system during a high-anxiety time, and one of those things is practicing “joyful movement.” Let’s dive in—

What is “joyful movement”?

“Joyful movement” is moving your body in a way you actually enjoy, without the explicit goal of overexerting yourself for exercise. Joyful movement can be exercise, yes, but it mainly means moving your body in a way that feels good to you right now. For example, running a mile might feel good to some— but to others it doesn’t. Joyful movement is defining our movement and exercise habits by what actually fills us with joy, rather than dread, which makes exercise a more positive physical and mental experience overall.

Many studies have proven that exercise can help ease anxiety— even just 15 or 20 minutes a day, and when you exercise it’s an immediate way to reset your mind by pulling all the focus into your body, your breathing, and your physical surroundings.

For me, joyful movement may mean a brisk walk, or a slow walk, or even a run, or a yoga session— it all depends on how I’m feeling that day, and it’s never predicated on forcing myself to do anything that wouldn’t feel good. Joyful movement is about healing our relationship with exercise, and it can heal our mind-body connection, too.

Next time you’re feeling anxious, think of a type of movement that would bring you into your body and bring you joy. If that’s going for a run, then go for a run. If that’s taking a walk or simply doing a few stretches, do that. Ground yourself back into your body and remember to breathe— this too shall pass.

Xoxo, MM.