MOVE WITH EASE
MOVEMENTS & MOMENTS
Live in Your Body with Awareness
The notion of being “embodied” might sound a bit silly to some. If we have a body, surely we are therefore embodied? Unfortunately this is not guaranteed for everyone, and most adults live with a disconnection from their physical self.
As children we inhabit our bodies completely via play, emotions and exploration, but as we age a distance between body and mind grows. The more we ignore our physical sensations and visceral feedback the larger the distance between body and mind. We only need to look to the huge monetised health and fitness industry to see the demand for this gap to close. So many wellness services offer solutions and strategies to connect the mind back to the body.
Incorporating gentle movement into your daily routine can improve awareness of the body and mind connection. Its a simple solution to becoming more in tune and therefore embodied. Further, adding these routines to your day-to-day increases physical and mental flexibility, reduces stress, and boosts overall well-being.
Here are some tips to help you integrate gentle movement throughout your day, you can choose one task and repeat daily or create a schedule of different micro-strategies:
1. Morning Stretching - Start your day with gentle stretches to wake up your muscles. Focus on areas like your neck, shoulders, back, and legs. A few minutes of stretching can improve circulation and prepare your body for the day. If you struggle to create a routine there’s many resources at hand. Phone apps with 5min routine suggestions; these take the organisation pressure out of the equation.
2. Walk More - Take short, frequent walks, whether it's around your house, in your neighbourhood, commuting to shops, study or workplace; or during breaks at work. Walking is a low-impact way to keep your body moving without putting stress on your joints.
3. Gentle Yoga - Practice gentle yoga poses such as Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, or Downward Dog. These poses help stretch and strengthen your body without being too intense. Head to our online studio for short sequences you can learn quickly and do daily.
4. Chair Exercises - If you sit for long periods, try chair exercises like seated leg lifts, seated twists, or arm stretches. These can help prevent stiffness and improve circulation. Head to some online examples here.
5. Use Reminders - Set reminders on your phone or computer to take movement breaks. Even a few minutes every hour to move around can make a big difference.
6. Tai Chi or Qigong - These ancient practices focus on slow, deliberate movements that are easy on the body and great for improving balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. Often theres a community group or wellness studio offering classes. Alternatively head online for sequences.
7. Incorporate Movement into Daily Tasks - While brushing your teeth, cooking, or watching TV, add in some gentle movement like calf raises, side steps, or arm circles.
8. Evening Wind-Down - End your day with a few gentle yin yoga stretches or a slow walk to help your body relax and prepare for sleep. Go to our virtual studio for suitable practices and poses.
9. Breath-Linked Movements - Try incorporating deep breathing with gentle movements. For example, raise your arms as you inhale and lower them as you exhale. This can help reduce stress and bring more oxygen into your body.
10. Make it Enjoyable - Choose activities that you enjoy and are likely to stick with, whether it’s dancing to your favourite music, gardening, or taking a leisurely bike ride. Gentle movement should be enjoyable and sustainable, allowing you to feel more relaxed and energised throughout the day.