Movement: How a little bit can go a long way
When you think about movement and the ways that it can benefit your body, you probably think about exercise like cardio and weightlifting that can improve cardiovascular health and alter muscle mass. What you may not consider is that conscious movement that elevates the heart rate can improve physical health, skin health, and your mental health. Movement is an important ingredient for holistic well-being.
How can moving my body benefit my skin?
When you participate in physical movements such as a cardio class in your living room, a socially-distanced walk, or a dance party in your kitchen, your heart rate increases which pumps fresh blood carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. These nutrients and fresh oxygen are vital for skin health. Good circulation will give your skin a natural, healthy glow, and can boost the skin’s collagen production.
How does moving my body benefit my mental health?
Physical activity can particularly benefit people who struggle with depression, anxiety, and stress. Just as exercise benefits the cardiovascular system in the body, it also generates changes in the brain. Exercise releases mood-boosting endorphins but also promotes neural growth and reduced inflammation in the brain. Studies indicate that just moderate aerobic exercise like walking can curb mild to moderate anxiety and depression, which many of us have experienced this year.
Are my skin and my mental health interconnected?
Yes! At NŪR, we believe strongly in the interconnectivity of the entire body so we like to focus on holistic wellbeing. When the body experiences stress, it produces more cortisol which tells the skin to produce more oil. This can lead to breakouts but can also worsen existing skin conditions such as rosacea and eczema. Additionally, if you are feeling depleted from dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression, you may have a harder time caring for yourself by eating well and adhering to a skincare routine. Making time to incorporate movement and exercise into your life can help-- even a little can go a long way!
To close out the year, we have been celebrating the beauty and benefits of movement, particularly dance on our Instagram feed. This has helped to remind us that movement is important for our health, our bodies are capable of so much, and that artistic expression is something that we have missed this year. Dance can be a way to celebrate our cultures, an art form that we engage in or appreciate with friends, and for kids especially can teach us another way to express ourselves and see the benefits of hard work and learning from an instructor.
Here is to more dancing in the new year!