The Benefits of Mindful Movement: Practicing Yoga and Other Activities for Improved Physical and Mental Health

Mindful Movement isn't just an exercise - it's also a mindset. The more we practice, the more we develop a habit of taking notice of our movements. This attention helps us learn how to move our bodies with greater awareness.


There are several different forms of mindfulness, but one that is common among yogis is being conscious of each action you take. You can be mindful while walking, practicing deep breathing or even while brushing your teeth. Even small movements and tasks can become mindful acts if you are paying attention and learning how to move naturally.

A recent study showed that meditation practices can actually change the structure of your brain. The effects were seen both during and after the practice of sitting meditation. While the researchers don't know exactly what causes the changes in the brain, they suggest that the practice of mindfulness might make people more creative and able to regulate emotions.

Mindfulness is often thought of as a form of meditation. The study linked above found that some forms of mindfulness - such as eating mindfully or simply noticing when we blink - don't necessarily require any formal practice. Some mindfulness practices, such as yoga, focus more on breathing than on thoughts. But other activities, such as running or jumping, are easier to incorporate into a daily routine.

We tend to think of our physical health as something that's not possible to improve. But mindfulness is about becoming more aware of the smallest things you do each day. These are the building blocks of our overall well-being.

It may seem difficult to get started, but it's easy to get started with these practices. Here are some tips to help get you moving:

Try Mindful Movement Every Day

Mindful movement helps people become aware of how they move throughout the day. Start by noticing when you sit down to eat, whether you're sitting or standing. You can also practice mindfulness while walking. It's easy to see where you place your feet and how fast you walk. Pay attention to how your posture affects your physical health.

Focus on Your Feet

The more aware you are of your movements, the easier it will be to move your body without thinking about it. Take notice of your posture while sitting, and try to be aware of the muscles and ligaments that support your back while you sit. Practice walking with awareness of the impact on your knees.

Listen to the Feel of Your Body

As you practice mindful movement, you'll notice your muscles and joints working. By paying attention to these sensations you learn which parts of your body need more exercise and which parts don't need any attention at all.

Practice Awareness of Your Bodies Every Day

Mindful movement practices help people learn to become more aware of their bodies and the feelings associated with them. When you are aware of the feeling of your breath, your thoughts, and the sensation of your legs, you are practicing mindfulness. Practice this every day.

Pay Attention to Your Thoughts. As you start noticing more of your thoughts, you are learning to be more aware of your mind.