Defeating paralyzing fear through movement

Our bodies want to move. 

A common symptom of anxiety is halting fear. After a period of constant worry it’s understandable to feel exhausted. It’s a restlessness that is unmoved by rest, making getting out of bed a daunting task. 

Those worries become the walls around us slowly closing in. You can’t breathe in deep enough and your limbs feel weighed down by hopelessness. Guilt and disappointment wash over you as the sun moves across the sky. You’re scared still, crippled by anxiety, aching to come up for air.

The build up of worry becomes a mountain we feel must be moved all at once in order to obtain some level of peace. However, starting at the ground level is a healthy means of avoiding putting an insurmountable amount of pressure on ourselves. It looks like taking small steps such as a shower, making a list, or stretching. Movement, for the purposes of what I’m describing, is simply putting an attainable thought into action. It begins to generate a flow of energy that can be maintained and grown to assist you in other tasks and feeling accomplished.

Movement, when more physical, helps us to feel more awake in addition to increasing circulation and joint flexibility. Remaining still can also have adverse effects on gastrointestinal health which has been proven to negatively affect mood. Personally, in being still for too long I begin to feel as if I’m falling into myself. The fall breaks when I begin to move and pull myself towards the light. 

Challenge: 

Move to feel alert 

Move to increase motivation

Move for your health

Move to fight fear

Move for You

Post Originally Published April 15, 2020