Ever noticed how a quick kitchen dance, walk to the mailbox, or even 10 jumping jacks can totally change your mood?
Hey y’all, welcome to Lovin My Daughter-in-law podcast, where connection, love, and a whole lot of fun come together.
I am LeAnn Austin, boy mom and teacher turned master-certified life coach. Who once had all the feelings, when cute girlies started dating my sons. I had to learn a lot about love, boundaries, and connection, not just with my daughters-in-law, but with myself. That’s how Lovin My Daughter-in-law was born.
So if you’re craving more love, connection, and fun in your life, especially the kind that starts from within, this podcast is for you.
Today’s episode #193: Motion Shifts Emotion
I want to share one of my favorite truths when it comes to our mental and emotional wellbeing: motion shifts emotion.
Now that doesn’t mean we can dance away every problem (although, let’s be honest, a kitchen dance party can do wonders for our nervous system). But it does mean that when we move our bodies, we create space for our emotions to shift, release, and flow.
Here’s the deal, our minds and bodies are deeply connected. When we’re feeling stuck, anxious, or low, our natural tendency is to stop moving. We curl up on the couch, scroll our phones, or maybe binge a show. And sometimes that rest is just what we need. But often we stay in that mode longer than we want to, and it actually keeps our emotions stuck.
That’s why motion, any kind of motion is so powerful. It tells our body and brain we’re moving forward and our emotions tend to follow.
Okay, there are five basics I come back to over and over again when I think about emotional wellbeing.
First – Sleep: Good rest helps regulate our mood and decision making.
Second – Sunlight: Natural light tells our body to wake up and boosts our serotonin.
Third – Movement: Gentle or intense, it gets our blood flowing and shifts our nervous system state.
Fourth – Nutrition: The food we eat literally fuels our brain chemistry.
Fifth – Connection: Being with safe, supportive people grounds us emotionally.
When we weave these into our daily rhythm, our mental and emotional health gets a serious boost.
So let’s get practical. If you want to use motion to shift emotion, here are three steps you can try today.
Step number one: Micro Movement. You don’t have to run a 5K. Try a two-minute stretch walking to the mailbox or doing 10 jumping jacks. Small movements count.
Second, Step number two: Pair it with one more basic. Take your walk in the sunshine. Call a friend while you’re folding laundry. Make a healthy snack and stand up while you prepare it. Doubling up on basics, compounds the benefits.
And the third step: Make it habit linked. Attach movement to something you already do, like brushing your teeth and then doing 10 squats or checking your phone and then stepping outside for two minutes of fresh air.
Motion shifts emotion, but it also builds momentum. And when you add in good sleep, sunlight, nutrition, and connection, you are giving your mind and body exactly what they need to help you move through the hard stuff and feel better faster.
If this idea speaks to you, I’ve got even more tools inside Connection Crew to help you feel grounded, resilient, and connected. We share practical ways, just like this one, to shift your emotional state in real life.
And oh, before I forget, I have a free nervous system tool for you. It’s simple, it’s quick, and it’s a great way to calm your body in 20 seconds or less. Perfect for pairing with these motion shifts. The link is in the show notes, so grab it when you’re done listening.
Now remember, when you can’t change how you feel right away, change what you’re doing with your body. Motion shifts emotion. Even small steps make a difference. Hmm, something to think about.
Here’s to motion, fun, connection, and love. Have a good one y’all.
Thanks for hanging out with me today on Lovin My Daughter-in-law podcast. I hope you’re walking away with a little more connection, love, and lightness in your heart. If this episode made you smile, tap the follow button and share it with a friend.
And if you’re tired of walking on eggshells, second guessing yourself, feeling disconnected or ready to learn all about your nervous system, come join us inside Connection Crew or grab some One-on-One Coaching. I’d love to be your coach and cheer you on!
Until next time, be you, love you, build connections, and have some fun.