Better Mental Health With Movement With Alex Iga Golabek
It is mental health awareness week in the UK and theme is movement and moving more for our mental health. In light of this theme we spoke to Alex Iga Golabek integrative and trauma – informed psychotherapist, owner of Ego Therapy and mental health advocate.
We spoke to Alex on the benefit movement has on our mental well-being and this is what she said…
“By now, the connection between our minds and bodies has been researched and understood as a two – way relationship (so, our bodies affect how we think and feel and vice versa). This means that through movement, we can make a positive impact on our cognition and emotional well-being. For instance, the ‘fight -flight’ stress response happens as a result of our perception of threat to our safety or survival and involves a range of physiological changes like increased heartbeat, changes in body temperature and pupil dilation. Left unattended, these rapid changes can have a serious long – term effect on our bodies so it is worth considering engaging in some form of movement to maintain our physical and emotional health.
The word ‘exercise’ may evoke hesitation or worry to many because of the assumption that it always means intense gym training or frequent 10k runs. Thankfully, if we peel off the ‘heavy duty workouts’ label, we may discover a range of much milder activities which can contribute to improvement of our physical and psychological health. It can’t be denied that some form of cardio can make us feel instantly more upbeat and happier; it increases our metabolism and circulation, as well as promotes the production of healthy brain cells which can lead to improved brain function. ‘Endorphin rush’ isn’t a myth either, our mood will elevate post – exercise due to release of the hormone. In time, the above changes with inevitably boost our confidence, too – we may begin to discover our increased strength and physical ability which enable us to carry our everyday tasks and become more resilient, particularly as we grow older. Exhaustion or inability to engage in activities we used to be able to effortlessly perform can contribute to our low mood and the feeling of hopelessness; a choice to become involved in some form of activity is essential to our wellbeing.
There are many types of movement we can choose to engage in and it’s crucial we opt for something we can really enjoy, in order to be able to maintain it. Traditional forms of exercise like jogging or intense workouts can bring joy to some while others may discover their preference for walking their dog or other outdoor activity allows for a clearer mind. Nature can help us feel less stressed through its calmer pace, as opposed to the everyday rush; you may have noticed that the necessity to meet deadlines, pay bills, make calls, perform household chores can leave us feeling unfulfilled and often angry about our realities. Our relationship to nature can improve our sense of safety and allow us to feel a part of something greater than ourselves while being an active part of it.
There is something powerful about our ability to move while focusing on our connection to the activity we’re performing. Whether it’s a stroll, playing football or longboarding – when we pay close attention to our senses and what we’re doing, we will inevitably feel more connected to ourselves. Mindfulness has been shown to help our nervous system and help our self – compassion; it can be practiced through a variety of ways which involve movement. For instance, I have recently begun to learn to play drums and I have realised that not only am I thoroughly engaged and enjoying the activity but also how my stress levels reduce through the movement involved, enabling me to effortlessly sleep better overall. Similarly, any activity which involves meditative type of motion can improve the way we relate to ourselves and increase our positive thinking; some forms of yoga have been shown to help regulate emotions
and help with personal growth.
When working with my clients, I often introduce them to various forms of movement which don’t involve ‘traditional’ exercise. Anxiety, stress and anger are all energies which need kinetic strategies for their release. My encouragement involves an invitation for a quick run up and down the stairs, household chores like vacuuming or dancing it out to their favourite song – when no one’s watching.”
We are inspired to practice what Alex has shared. Alex Iga Golabek is an integrative and trauma – informed psychotherapist and owner of Ego Therapy.