Why is moving so effective at reducing stress and promoting relaxation?
Because moving incorporates a variety of functional elements that help the body transition from activity to relaxation.
Functional Element 1: Slow Movement
How it works: By moving slowly and gently, you send a signal to your amygdala (the stress center) that says, ‘All clear, no danger.’ This helps your body shift into a state of calm and relaxation.
Functional element 2: conscious attention and releasing weight
This works very subtly and, by the way, has been practiced for a few thousand years – so it is well-tested :). You focus your attention on the contact of your soles with the ground and let the weight of your legs (when sitting) or your whole body (when standing or lying) sink down loosely.
You can use moving simply as a balance button to (with some practice) instantly achieve calm at any time.
Enjoy moving! Best wishes from Roswitha Ram-Devrient & the moving team.
