If we view the physical manifestations of stress, fear and anxiety with an evolutionary lens (i.e that our nervous systems are preparing us to fight or flee in response to a perceived threat) then naturally the clever human system has an effective process of discharging these physiological changes (using up stress hormones etc). The whole point of the threat state is the system preparing you to fight for your rights or run for your life) so the body anticipates movement.

But often in our modern lives, threat state is not followed by any movement, so there is no opportunity for the system to discharge or ‘reset’ in the way it requires.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapy based on observations of wild animals post stress behaviour, who appear to be incredibly resilient to extremely stressful situations. SE says this is because these animals sprint and shake after these events that they are able to quickly settle and continue apparently without any problems.

This partly explains why movement is so good at helping us to manage stress, and even more so why it can be really effective to consciously move following periods of increased stress to allow the body to “discharge” it effectively.

So why don’t we do it?

I think that there is an unhelpful narrative around exercise in our culture. Too often we see it as a punishment for enjoying life.. we “kill it in the gym” to stay slim, burn off unwanted calories. We push ourselves to get it right, be at the top of our game. We’re told it’s something we must do at least three times a week and if we don’t we feel shame and guilt. We come to see it as a chore.

It makes so much more sense to find a way to connect with the joy and meaning in movement… to use your body to engage with life the way you want to.. to love how it feels to kick your legs around, be that running, walking or skipping. To find your flow. Breathe, dance, release, connect.

If the pressure game works for you that’s great but I reckon we could really benefit from loosening our grip on the apps, goals, PBs, step counters, heart rate monitors, weight loss plans and just get outside and move. Then maybe ask yourself… how does it make you feel?