Using movement to optimise mental wellness
In a world of constant stimulation, many of us have lost touch with how we feel and have a distant relationship with our body and it’s wisdom.
But movement teacher Claire Eli is on a mission to use her craft to help us “slow down, breathe and explore the relationship between our body, mind and spirit”. Combining her love of and expertise in the practices of yoga, dance, breathwork & meditation, Claire hosts workshops, events and movement classes both online and around the world from New York, to Asia to New Zealand.
We chatted to Claire about the power of movement to help us day to day with unwanted emotions and her personal experience with using movement to bring her back from trauma and burnout.
What is your understanding of the relationship between movement and mental health?
To put it simply, moving your body will move your emotions!
It's no secret that getting your heart rate up, (whether that be through a light stretch or a work out) releases endorphins (the happy hormone).
Our emotions get blocked up in our physical body and sometimes it can feel like we are 'carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders'. Movement of any sort (yoga, dance, or exercise) gives us a chance to shake it off. Once the stagnation and frustration are lifted, we are clearer, more energized and able to receive the day ahead.
What's been your personal experience with the movement improving your experience of stress, anxiety or feeling low?
In my late teens, I hit rock bottom with depression and debilitating anxiety. I was overworked, burnt out and had not dealt with self-esteem issues and trauma from the past. There was one particular year where everything came at once and the only way I was able to pick myself up and face what was happening was by getting on the yoga mat.
Our body has been with us through everything we have ever experienced and it holds so much memory and wisdom. I went deep into the practice of yoga (and yes, I could not touch my toes either, to begin with!), and got to know myself again. My body started to release tension and in doing so my mind started to relax. The moments of peace and presence increased and I was sold!
How can we use movement to bring more calm, happiness and presence into our life?
In the western world, we have so much stimulation in our day to day life. Unlike the caveman days where we ran on natures time, many of us have continuous high levels of cortisol running throughout our system. Unless we calm this down, it is very hard to bring ourselves into stillness and meditation. The body and mind are interconnected and by unblocking the energy channels in the body we can find stillness and peace in the mind.
Any tips, advice or resources for people wanting to create a movement routine at home to support their mental wellness?
Firstly you must ENJOY it or it will never be something that you keep up long term. Find a teacher to follow or a consistent weekly class that makes you want to get on your yoga mat or move your body.
Secondly, be realistic with your time. Be disciplined but kind to yourself, the biggest mistake I see is when people over-commit and then beat themselves up for not showing up. Start small but consistent and once you figure out what you like your practice will grow.
I have many free resources available, you can tune into my youtube channel and check out my instagram page for my weekly live stream dance and yoga schedule and online programs.
What is your favourite form of movement to lift your mood?
Dance! Music and movement together work every time. Usually, I start off in a yoga practice and the next minute I am prancing around the living room.
What’s the best piece of advice you've ever been given for looking after your well-being?
Treat yourself as your own best friend and laugh every day.
When you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do to bring yourself back to balance?
I will turn on some music and have a good stretch out or dance. I then focus on slowing down my breath, by this time I can usually find my centre beyond all the noise of my mind. I also journal a lot.
If you could recommend just one habit or ritual to someone starting out on their health and well-being journey, what would it be?
Carve out at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. If possible try to do it at the same time every day and turn it into your own ritual. You can meditate, move, journal, or draw, find something that will bring you beyond your own chattering mind so you can connect to the deeper guidance within.
Let Loose with Claire here for 20 minutes of movement and yoga. You can follow Claire on Instagram and check out her upcoming events and blog on her website.