How do balance exercises help mental health?
Balance exercises can positively impact mental health by improving cognitive function, reducing stress, enhancing self-esteem, and promoting mindfulness through the need to focus on body awareness and coordination while performing movements, essentially "training" the brain to better integrate sensory information and react to stimuli effectively; this is especially beneficial for managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.
Key ways balance exercises help mental health:
Cognitive enhancement:
By challenging the brain to process information from various senses (sight, proprioception, vestibular system) during balance exercises, it can improve memory, attention, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Stress reduction:
Focusing on maintaining balance requires concentration, which can act as a meditative practice, helping to calm the mind and decrease stress levels.
Self-efficacy boost:
Successfully performing balance exercises can increase confidence and self-esteem, as individuals feel a sense of accomplishment in mastering challenging movements.
Improved body awareness:
Balance exercises encourage paying close attention to body positioning and subtle shifts in balance, which can lead to better proprioception and overall body awareness.
Neuroplasticity:
Engaging in balance training regularly can stimulate the brain to create new neural connections, improving cognitive function and adaptability.
Examples of balance exercises:
Standing on one leg
Tai chi
Yoga
Qigong
Walking on uneven surfaces
Plank variations
Below you will find free YouTube Balance Exercises that are twenty minutes or less.
https://youtu.be/RhHGxYzcBY0?si=qxptQJZpt0HZGIx1
https://youtu.be/1krhDR2f36A?si=3HRLtrH4HXQ3iI2E
https://youtu.be/MWXTzCn5v04?si=YPevok__3GE5pGPt
https://youtu.be/ZiQh8jA5tVM?si=W_CISPwERMS_dMcn
https://youtu.be/9Aouu7WQVOY?si=iwZfBxFjiZKbyJIz
At Sacred Art Integrative Psychiatry, I focus on providing free interventions that are easy to sustain. To learn more, schedule your appointment with me today at 414-242-6453,
