Unlocking Wellness: 7 Transformative Benefits of Combining ACT with Mindful Movement
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mindful movement is powerful when combined with act
Have you ever longed for a practice that could harmonise your inner world of thoughts and feelings with the outer world of physical movement? That's where the powerful blend of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and Mindful Movement comes to our aid!
ACT is a mindful way of thinking and feeling that allows us to understand and make space for our feelings and thoughts as they come and go, just like the passing clouds in the sky. ACT also supports us to get clear about how to live life in a rich and meaningful way.
Mindful Movement is a serene way of exercising that brings our attention to each movement we make, helping us feel more connected to our bodies and the present moment. It includes peaceful drawn from taichi, qigong, but even easier to follow and share.
mindful movement can help with mental and physical health
When we weave together the threads of ACT and Mindful Movement, they create a tapestry of wellbeing that makes us feel more resilient. In this article, we'll explore seven wonderful ways this unique blend can contribute to our overall wellbeing. Plus, I’ll share examples to illustrate how it all works.
Let's dive in!
Better Management of Anxiety and Depression: Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) helps people to engage with their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to avoid them, which can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with anxiety and depression. When you combine this with mindful movement, it creates a powerful tool for managing mental health. For instance, a person feeling anxious about an upcoming event might use ACT to make space for their feelings instead of trying to suppress them. Combined with movement, they could use breathing exercises and flowing arms to further manage their anxiety levels.
Improved Physical Health: Mindful movement practices like tai chi or qigong are excellent for improving flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health. When combined with the mental health benefits of ACT, it can greatly contribute to overall wellbeing. For example, a person might use mindful movement to improve their balance and strength while also using ACT to handle any frustrations or challenging thoughts that arise during the practice, improving both physical and mental health concurrently.
Enhanced Mind-Body Awareness: Both ACT and mindful movement practices can help individuals become more attuned to their body and emotions, which can lead to a stronger mind-body connection. This connection can help people better understand their physical and emotional needs. For example, someone practicing a mindful movement sequence might use ACT to notice and accept their feelings of tiredness without judgment, instead of pushing past their limits. This could lead to more intuitive exercise and better self-care.
Improved Pain Management: Chronic pain is very common in society. ACT can help individuals better manage their emotional response to pain, while mindful movement practices can help alleviate physical pain and discomfort. For example, someone with chronic back pain might use ACT to accept their pain and reduce the mental stress associated with it. At the same time, they could use gentle mindful movement practices to stretch and strengthen their back muscles, perhaps reducing the physical pain itself.
Increased Emotional Resilience: Through fostering inner space for thoughts and emotions, ACT can help increase emotional resilience. When combined with the stress-reducing effects of mindful movement practices, it provides a robust approach to managing stress and bouncing back from adversity. For instance, someone going through a difficult life transition might use ACT to acknowledge and process their feelings instead of avoiding them. Paired with movement, they could better manage stress and cultivate resilience during this challenging time.
Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Mindful movement practices often involve a certain level of focus and concentration, which can help improve these skills over time. When coupled with the principles of ACT, these practices can help individuals become more present and focused in their everyday lives. For example, someone who finds themselves frequently distracted at work might use mindfulness exercises to improve their focus while employing ACT to address any feelings of frustration or impatience that arise, whilst reconnecting with the bigger picture.
Improved Sleep: Both ACT and mindful movement practices can help improve sleep by reducing stress and anxiety and encouraging acceptance. Better sleep is an important part of overall physical and mental health. For example, an individual struggling with insomnia might use ACT to address any worries or anxieties that are keeping them awake. Coupled with a mindful movement routine they’ve learnt to do, before bed, this could help them achieve better, more restful sleep.
Summary
both act and mindful movement can be shared in ways that are accessible to all
With consistent practice and an open heart, these mindful techniques can become a seamless part of our daily lives, offering you the tools to navigate through stress, manage pain, enhance focus, and improve sleep quality. So as you step forward from here, remember that every breath you take, every mindful stretch, and every thought you gently acknowledge, is a step towards a more mindful, balanced, and meaningful you. Continue to explore, embrace the process, and remember to cherish each moment of your journey.
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Want to learn how to share these skills with others? Want to learn slowly, step by step, in both live classes and/or via recordings?
If you’d like to learn how to combine these two in a creative way, find out more by sending us a quick message.
