Key Idea: physical movement can ease pain

Moving the body does good things to the mind. It is obvious how important it is to maintain a healthy body by regulating our weight and sleep habits and eating habits.

But there are also profound benefits to mood and overall well-being when we regularly expend energy. Any movement that is safe for you and those around you can be an effective way to burn off nervous energy, boost  heart rate and respiration which increase blood flow to the brain and  vital organs. All of that is healthy for the body but is also extremely important for the mind/body to stay in balance.

Fortunately, this activity is one of the most fun and can be done in any way that is physically safe and doesn't disrupt others around you. (As with everything, a balance must be struck - your need to exercise or dance balanced with the needs of your neighbors and family).

Try to build in some kind of daily physical movement to relieve excess energy. For depression it is also vitally important to use your body's natural defenses to help itself.

See the multiple studies below that confirm the depression and anxiety- fighting power of exercise of ANY kind.

The creative energy that comes from dance is empowering and can make you feel very good. The feeling of physical empowerment that can come from practicing a martial art like Tai chi or Tai kwondo is life-changing.  And the joy that comes from practicing a sport you like and are even a little bit good at is obvious.

Martial arts train the mind and the body - the focus on mental and physical discipline can be very healthy for those interested in this kind of activity.

We DO NOT have to be good at it. 

Whichever type of movement you chose, just remember you are not performing - you are having fun. Same with sports or martial arts. It is for you to enjoy.

The goal for well-being is to exercise the body and get oxygen to the  organs, as well as expend excess (anxious) energy. That is the goal. Try to make it private and for you. Enjoy yourself while knowing you are doing the best thing you can for your mind/body.

Research on the effects of movement on depression, anxiety and health in general.

Exercise in general:
 

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-and-depression-report-excerpt
 

http://www.womenshealth.gov/mental-health/good-health/

Tai chi:

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/taichi/introduction.htm

http://www.contemporarypsychotherapy.org/vol-2-no-1/martial-arts-and-mental-health/

Yoga:

https://nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga/introduction.htm

http://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/yoga-for-anxiety-and-depression

Dance:

http://psychcentral.com/news/2012/11/22/dance-can-improve-mental-health-of-teen-girls/48024.html

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3551063.stm

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Dance_health_benefits

http://www.prevention.com/mind-body/emotional-health/dancing-shown-help-boost-happiness-and-mental-health

Martial Arts:

https://bodymindandmodem.com/handbook-to-martial-arts/