The Link Between Movement and Emotional Healing
Written by: Mari Novoa, M.S., AMFT
Sometimes when people hear “exercise,” they picture someone running uphill at sunrise with perfect hair, a water bottle, and motivational music. Meanwhile, the rest of us are over here stretching our legs between Zoom meetings and calling it self-care. But here’s the thing. Movement isn’t just about fitness or fitting into jeans from a decade ago. It’s about emotional healing and mental health, too. And honestly, what I’m sharing isn’t new. We know that movement helps us feel better; it’s one of the most powerful keys to emotional wellbeing. Yet somehow, we keep forgetting to use it. Why is it so hard? Maybe because when we feel low, the last thing we want to do is move. Or because we’ve been sold the idea that movement has to “look” a certain way to count.
But it doesn’t.
Why Movement Helps Us Heal
When we move, we process. We shake off tension, stress, and the energy that sits in our bodies long after our brains have moved on. Think about how you feel after a long walk, a good stretch, or even dancing around your kitchen. That release? That lightness? That’s your nervous system saying, thank you. Physical activity doesn’t need to look like a two-hour gym session or a fancy studio class. Walking counts. Gardening counts. Dancing in your living room counts. Playing tag with your kids counts. If your body is moving, your emotions are, too.
As a therapist (and someone who has danced for most of her life), I’ve seen what happens when movement becomes part of healing. Clients who start finding safe ways to move, whether that’s walking, stretching at home, or dancing in their living room, often notice they breathe easier, both literally and emotionally. It’s not magic; it’s biology. Movement helps regulate the nervous system, reduces cortisol levels, and sends our minds the message that we’re safe.
Movement as Everyday Therapy
And let’s not forget the mind-body humor in all this. Sometimes “movement” looks like walking away from drama. Sometimes it’s stretching before you send that risky text. Sometimes it’s deep breathing while waiting for your kid to finally put on their shoes. It all counts. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s connection. Movement reconnects you with your body, the same body that’s been carrying you through grief, joy, deadlines, and late-night overthinking. It’s your way of saying, I’m here, and I’m taking care of us.
Therapy in Motion
So if you’re feeling stuck, anxious, or sad, try moving. Go for a walk. Stretch while your coffee brews. Dance while chopping vegetables. Your emotional health will thank you. And if anyone asks what you’re doing, just tell them it’s therapy in motion. And if you’d actually like to walk and talk (yes, real therapy that involves movement), let me know. Therapy doesn’t always have to happen sitting in a chair or lying on a couch. Sometimes healing happens best while you’re in motion.
Reflective Thoughts For You
What kind of movement feels good to you right now? Not what you “should” do, but what your body wants to do.
How do you feel emotionally after you move?
Where in your life could you use more movement, even in small ways?