How does movement help mental health?

How is movement connected to mental health? Movement is thought to release our happy hormones, more specifically our dopamine, serotonin and endorphins. These neurotransmitters reduce pain and stress, boost mood and make us feel happy.

Movement regulates the nervous system, which is responsible for how we experience and react to the world on the daily basis. This helps to build mental clarity and create a calm and focused state of mind. Movement can help to lower cortisol levels, decrease resting heart rate and bring calm to the body and mind.

Individuals who struggle with symptoms related to mental health illness like anxiety, depression, or mood disorders and tend to have an intense response to stress can benefit from movement due to the increase in levels of serotonin during these activities. Movement can include yoga, walking, biking, hiking, stretching, etc.