MOOD Biohacking: The small MOVEMENT HABIT
What if I told you there’s a ridiculously simple, completely free, and incredibly effective tool at your fingertips to shift your mood and boost your well-being, often in just minutes?
It’s movement, and honestly, the possibilities are endless. Whether you have a small window of time or a long session, moving your body has the power to completely transform how you feel in the moment.
Think about it: a brisk walk around the block can work wonders. But you don’t even have to leave your space! Lately, my go-to is popping on a high-energy song and giving myself three-ish minutes to just dance like no one’s watching. The benefits are immediate and tangible.
The Science Behind Your Happy Hormones
So, what’s happening when we get moving? Science tells us that even a little bit of movement improves circulation to the brain, which directly impacts how we process stress hormones. It influences what’s called the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), essentially mediating the types of stress hormones our bodies are pumping out. When we’re less stressed, we experience less debilitating fear, which plays a major role in both our mood and our motivation levels—crucial for us as creators!
Another fantastic reason you don’t need intense, hour-long workouts to activate your happy sensors is that all it takes is enough movement to slightly raise your heart rate. This simple action increases the production of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—the powerful trio of hormones associated with joy and relaxation. Plus, movement juices our endorphins, giving us sustainable energy for the day and even helping to mitigate both physical and emotional pain.
Managing Cortisol for Clear Skin & Clearer Mind
On the flip side, when stress takes over, our bodies unfortunately pump out an excess of cortisol, the notorious stress hormone. Too much cortisol can throw our delicate hormonal system out of whack, leading to things many of us are all too familiar with: breakouts, sleep issues, poor digestion, and even weight gain.
That’s why it’s so incredibly important to sit with ourselves, be present, and evaluate our mood. Then, take action to reach a comfortable, balanced level. Consider these mini-movement breaks not just as exercise, but as an essential part of your self-care and even your beauty routine. Because when you feel good from the inside out, that inner glow shines through everything you do!
x.o.x.o
Tina