S2 | E3 – Movement & Your Mental Health: Why Moving Out Body Matters More Than We Think

Movement and our mental health are intrinsically tied, but hearing those words can bring up different things. Exercise and the language around it can bring up mixed emotions about both the activity and how we feel about ourselves.

In this episode, we explore why and how the body is meant to move, how mainstream exercise culture is not always conducive to supporting mental health, and how to tailor your own movement that nurtures greater wellness.

Tune in for ways to replace achievement-focused exercise to embodied-focused movement. Learn how to pay attention to what your body needs today, move in ways that benefit your body and your mental wellness, and dismiss the all-or-nothing approach to exercise so that you can embrace the health your body is longing for.  

You can disentangle the connection between movement and body shape or weight loss, and focus on how you move your body for overall wellness.

Sarah asks Julia and Cheryl:

1. How might you define the difference between some of the languages used in the fitness world and other languages related to movement in the mental health world? Why are some distinctions important here?

2. In what ways have movement and care for your body been central to your own wellness journeys?

3. How might you help someone get moving in a way that would support their mental health, especially if they have different backgrounds as it relates to the hustle culture of the fitness world? What kinds of conversations with clients are you having when discussing exercise, for example?

4. What are the most important things to consider when you are thinking about a healthy relationship with your body and caring for it through (gentle) movement?

5. What helps keep you well in this season?

Find Julia at:

www.LifeandHopeWellness.com

Facebook & Instagram: @LifeAndHopeWellness

Find Cheryl at:

www.LairdCounsellingServices.ca

Instagram: @LairdCounselling 

Visit www.coveywellnesscentre.com for support and resources.

*This episode is intended for mental health education purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek a mental health professional or other qualified health provider regarding your mental health for personal advice and care.