When the mind feels overloaded, sometimes physical movement is the reset button we need.
Whether it’s breathing through tension, stretching out the tightness, or simply moving your body, it helps drop stress, sharpen focus, and reconnect us with something deeper.
The experts agree.
As yoga instructor Priya Desai explains: "Simple movement rituals, like a morning stretch, and a midday mobility break, act like mental checkpoints.
"They ground you and reduce the buildup of stress."
And as the sports psychologist Dr Sarah-Jane Reed puts it: "Even light activity like walking or stretching stimulates the para-sympathetic nervous system, helping to reduce anxiety and improve recovery."
Tom Evans is an ultra‑runner and has become a mental endurance expert in order to achieve his goals.
The 4CAST athlete knows that mental fortitude is key to success in his sport - but also translates to whatever goal we set ourselves.
"Your mind is such a powerful thing, and ultra-running is at least 70 per cent in the mind," he said.
Read on to see why movement can matter for you, and practical tips on achieving your goals.
WHY MOVEMENT MATTERS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
1. It breaks the thought loop: moving helps to shift cortisol, break anxiety cycles, and give your brain a break
2. It improves mood, sleep and stress resilience: consistent movement has been shown to reduce depressive symptoms and improve night-time rest
3. It boosts confidence through mastery: small wins (feeling looser, moving more freely) build momentum
PRACTICAL MOVEMENT RESETS
1. Morning breathing and stretches: five minutes of deep breathing and hip circles or chest opens to start the day
2. Midday mobility break: stand up, twist, reach, or walk - even just for one or two minutes - to break up your desk time
3. Evening wind down: try yoga flow or foam rolling, plus stretching to help relax muscles and calm the mind
THE BOTTOM LINE
Movement isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity for mental wellbeing. You don’t need high intensity; you need consistency. So use movement to reset, reframe, and recharge.
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