How physical movement and mindfulness can change your life – mind, body, and soul.
When you're taking care of others, it's easy to forget about yourself. But, if you don't take the time to focus on your own health and happiness, you'll eventually burn out. That's why mindfulness and movement matter. They are acts of self-care that allow you to refuel and come back stronger than ever. Here are seven reasons why you should make time for mindfulness and movement every day:
Reduce stress and anxiety.
In today's fast-paced world, it's more important than ever to find ways to relax and de-stress. Mindfulness and movement are two proven methods for reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that yoga can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, while mindfulness meditation can help to calm the mind and body.
Boost your mood.
Movement increases energy levels and reduces fatigue, leaving you feeling more vibrant, motivated, and overall, happier. Meanwhile, mindfulness can help to ease depression and improve your overall mood. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation can actually change the structure of the brain, improving cognitive function and emotional stability. By combining movement with mindfulness with your yoga practice can help increase the benefits significantly.
Improve your sleep.
If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep, mindfulness and movement can help. Exercise can improve the quality of your sleep, while mindfulness can help to quiet racing thoughts and allow you to drift off to sleep more easily.
Increase your energy.
As we mentioned previously, movement can directly impact your energy levels, but did you know that mindfulness can do the same? When you're feeling overwhelmed or bogged down by stress, mindfulness can help to re-center and focus your thoughts, leaving you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Support your immune system.
Regular exercise has been shown to support a healthy immune system, while mindfulness can help to reduce stress-related inflammation. In fact, one study found that people who practiced mindfulness meditation for eight weeks had reduced levels of pro-inflammatory genes. The result is fewer illnesses and faster recovery times - a win-win for sure!
Lower your risk of chronic disease.
Mindfulness and movement can also help to lower your risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. While it might serve as no surprise that movement can impact the physical health of an individual, you may be surprised to learn that simply taking time to embrace mindfulness and meditation can dramatically lower your risk of many chronic diseases significantly.
The bottom line is this: Mindfulness and movement are key ingredients for a happy and healthy life. When you make time for yoga, meditation, or simply getting out and moving your body, you're doing something incredible for yourself - something that will benefit you in the short-term and long-term. So, go ahead and give yourself the gift of mindfulness and movement today. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it!
