Moving to Rest

It may seem like an oxymoron, especially if you’re not the exercising type. How can moving your body be restful? After all, doesn’t rest mean vegging on the couch, pursuing your favorite hobby, or escaping for a beach vacation? For those of us who aren’t gym rats, the term “exercise” may conjure up ideas of deadlifting two hundred pounds or running a marathon. But the truth is, one of the best ways to trigger true relaxation, both mentally and physically, is first by moving your body. It doesn’t have to mean pushing yourself to the limit…in fact, many would argue that it very rarely does. Instead, embracing sustainable movement regularly seems to be the key to “rest and digest”, which allows not only our physical bodies to work and then find stability, but our mental health to take a breather as well. 

The Science  

We all know that exercise tones our bodies. If you’ve ever embarked on a Couch to 5k exercise plan, or even a daily walk routine, you know that with the daily practice of exercise, the shape of our bodies begins to change. Seeing results can make movement enjoyable to some degree…addictive even to some. But there’s more than just the science of muscle mass behind exercise. The science of our brains on exercise is even more convincing when we consider the benefits of movement. 

Just wrap your head around all that’s going on at a neurochemical level when you’re exercising!

• Stress hormones, cortisol, and adrenaline all decrease

• Endorphins are released…not just allowing you to feel happy, but acting as natural pain killers

• Feelings of optimism are increased

• On walks or jogs outside, the rapidly changing patterns of your eye movement are allowing you to think more clearly

It’s no wonder that exercise makes us feel far more rested. Not only have we expended energy and burned stress, we’ve given ourselves all the good hormones that allow us to feel more relaxed.

Autoregulation Techniques

“Physical activity doesn’t just build muscle – it promotes mental clarity and emotional well-being!"

Engaging in physical activity not only offers tangible physical benefits, but also promotes mental clarity and emotional well-being! Learning to observe, discipline, and engage your body through movement decreases the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety, which is integral for true rest. Knowing your body and becoming aware of how it carries daily traumas or stressors can allow you to step back, take a deep breath, and let go of the tensions. Practicing yoga, aerobics, or even simple deep breathing exercises not only gives you the very physical benefits of movement but also provides mental clarity. In fact, once you begin your “movement routine”, you’ll probably find yourself craving the time alone to gather your thoughts and practice self care. 

The Practice

The beautiful thing about exercise is that it comes in limitless forms and intensities. You may find that you don’t feel fully engaged until you break a sweat or you may find that a 20 minute walk outside does the trick. The choice is completely your’s and the benefits are the same. Movement enables rest and rejuvenation–of your body and your mind!

Put It Into Practice

Struggling with insomnia?

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Do a little muscle exercise right there from your pillow! Starting from the top of your head, focus on a set of muscles (i.e. facial muscles), squeeze them tightly for 20 seconds and slowly release. Work your way down your body with a few muscles at a time…think your shoulders, your arms, your hands, your calves and so forth. By the time you hit your toes, you should be asleep or well on your way! You’ve done some light exercise and released tension. Exercise = Rest!

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Verified Reliable Sources for the Content in This Article:
Exercising to Relax via Harvard Medical School