There is so much beauty in any body movement and the finding joy in the moment of the movement can be as calming or thrilling, strenuous or gentle as you need that day. Realising that joy in any physical movements makes you feel better is a powerful tool that supports your overall personal wellness.

Dear Spirited Earthling,

It is now widely believed that physical movement releases endorphins, triggering a positive feeling in the body. Runners talk about “runner’s high” and regular gym goers say they feel much better after their session, even when they didn’t feel like going at first. In the 5 am Club, author Robin Sharma shared that working out in the morning is beneficial because the physical movement lowers the body’s stress hormones (adrenaline and cortisol). As these hormones levels decrease, endorphins are released and you breath oxygen-rich air deep into your lungs. This makes you feel calmer and more relaxed after. Finding joy in movement is not limited to running and gmying. Realising that joy in any physical movements makes you feel better is a powerful tool that supports your overall personal wellness.

Finding Joy in Movement

Being authentic to yourself effortlessly brings joy, so the easiest way to find joy in movement is by choosing activities you love and resonate with you. When you love and already find joy in an activity, the movement becomes less of a chore or exercise and more of a fun and engaging activity to look forward to.

This journey of realising joy in movement can be one of self-discovery. When you try new and different forms of movement, you are exploring self-expression and even finding creative outlets. Be present in the movement and check in with yourself sometimes (how you felt before and after the movement, how it affects your mood or sleep, etc.). Pay attention to your breath, use your senses. Being present means being fully immersed in the experience, so losing yourself in music and falling into flow or meditative states is encouraged.

It is important for you to be alone sometimes, but if joy in movement increases when shared then look at joining clubs and studios to find community. You may make life-long friendships, feel a sense of belonging in a new city or with a new group of people, and feel supported in goals.

Find ways to find joy in movement in your routines using the following ideas as starting points. There are more ways to move your body than what is shared here, so have fun exploring.

The Joy of Dancing

Dancing is described as one of the purest forms of joyful movement. Dance communicates beyond spoken languages, age groups, and cultures. It can be viewed as a common language we share. From dancing around the fire, to celebrating after battles won or the unions of families through weddings, to competitions and social media challenges – dance is a lasting form of physical movement in our human history.

Whether you dance technical styles like ballet or feel the rhythm and beats move your body at a club or rave, there is a beautifully deep connection to music that moves us. It can be a way to express emotions that you struggle to put into words. It can be a display of admiration, love, and pain.

There is something raw in feeling the music move you and those around you. The planned or unplanned acts of moving in synchrony with the music can be an experience that frees you from the constraints of life, even if only for that song or that session. There is swaying and spinning in ballroom, fluidity in contemporary and accentuating beats in hip hop. There is magic in watching dancers lose themselves in the music, and in feeling yourself lose yourself in the rhythm and harmony. Realise joy in movement with dance makes you feel better wherever you are – in a grand ballroom, a crowded club, or in your kitchen and living room. The location is irrelevant to the joy.

The Joy of Tai Chi

Tai Chi is a low-impact practice that combines slow and deliberate movements with deep breathing and meditation. These movements put minimal strain on muscles but can improve balance (particularly beneficial for older adults) and flexibility. The breathing help improve aerobic capacity. Tai Chi requires you to stay present and focused, thereby being a mindfulness practice. In martial arts and Chinese traditional medicine, Chi is the essential energy that circulates your body. There series of movements in Tai Chi support and encourage the flow of chi through your body meridians. This harmonious flow of chi promotes and increases feelings of inner peace and vitality.

The Joy of Yoga

Yoga is an ancient practice that connects breathing exercises, physical postures, and meditation. Each asana (pose) and controlled breath (pranayama) connects you to yourself. As you find balance in a pose, you seek balance in life after practice. Hatha yoga features slow and deliberate movements, while Vinyasa yoga is more dynamic and flowing. Kundalini yoga aims to awaken and circulate energy at the base of the spine (Kundalini). Whether you're looking for balance, flow, internal heat, or to awaken inner energy, there are yoga styles that will resonate with you. You can also explore hot yoga classes and yoga with animals for different experiences. This practice strengthens the body, calms the mind, and fosters a spiritual connection (to self or a higher power), providing a holistic way to find joy in movement. It can become a journey of self-discovery, self-understanding, and self-love.

The Joy of Walking

Realising joy in movement can be easily experienced during a leisurely stroll in nature that activates the senses. Walking through the park and listening to birds tweeting, strolling along the beach and smelling the ocean air, or walking by a lake and hearing the water lap the shore all bring joy. You can wander through a forest and feel the cool protection of the canopy or feel the increasing internal heat of walking up and down rolling hills. Colourful blooming flowers, the rustling of falling leaves, or a chilly onshore breeze remind you of the seasons and the simple beauties of life. Walking with a loved one or a pet adds to this joy. Joining a walking club lets you meet new people. A gentle walk is a gateway to joyful movement, either when improving fitness or recovering.

The Joy of Running

For many runners, this movement becomes less about exercise and more about finding happiness. Along with the runner's high, many talk about running to clear their minds. The rhythm of your footsteps in this repetitive motion can become meditative. There's less to think about and stress over when you're focused on moving forward, both literally and figuratively. Running outside lets you explore your surroundings and connect with nature. Whether you're running alone, with someone, or as part of a club, the sense of solitude (connecting with yourself, encouraging yourself, doing this for yourself) brings inner peace. Running becomes a form of therapy for many people.

There is so much beauty in any body movement and the finding joy in the moment of the movement can be as calming or thrilling, strenuous or gentle as you need that day. You can release frustrations on the tennis and squash courts. You may love the feeling of freedom hiking trails and appreciating the incredible landscapes you find. There is some kind of special magic in being in water. Whether you fall into a meditative state swimming laps, or explore underwater paradises snorkelling and scuba diving, gliding over the surface when stand-up paddling, or dancing with waves while surfing. Spending time in nature benefits your environmental wellness.

Realising joy in movement isn’t just about physical fitness or staying in shape will make you feel better. See it as embracing the freedom to express yourself, celebrate your ability to move, and the act of living life fully. When stress, anxiety and depressive tendencies affect you more and more it is time to move. Moving your body can release stagnant energy and increase the flow of positive energy. Dance like nobody is watching, run like your best friend is going to tag you, walk like you’re the main character in your story. Life is short and there is no time to confine yourself to routines and activities that don’t inspire and excite you.

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

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Realising Joy in Movement Makes You Feel Better