Your Brain Loves to Move: Regulation Through Movement Series

Have you ever been told, "sit still," or "can't you just stop moving?" And you think, "my body needs to move!"  If so, you are not alone and I have good news for you...YOU ARE RIGHT!! Your brain was made to move! This episode will jumpstart our series this month called "Regulating Through Movement." We will start by exploring a super important idea: Movement isn't a distraction- it's actually how the brain helps itself find focus, regulate and feel better. We will gently reframe our movement experience to shed the shame and shine a light on the benefits of movement. When you feel wiggly, restless, or simply overwhelmed, it's not a sign that something is wrong-it's a signal that your brain and body are trying to work together!  Get your imagination caps on as we think about it like a shaken up soda bottle. Imagine energy and emotions building up inside the body, just like soda in a shaken bottle. Without a way to release that pressure, it can feel like everything might EXPLODE! Movement helps release that pressure little by little, making it easier to find calm, focus, and stay in control. Sitting still can feel especially hard for our busy ADHD brains. Movement supports your attention, emotional regulation, and helps you think more clearly by helping the brain organize what's going on inside!  So let's just get started raising that self-awareness flag and notice your body signals- those early hints like fidgeting, bouncing legs, or restlessness-and start pausing to respond with movement instead of fighting against it. This exercises that self-awareness muscle and builds confidence in understanding what your body needs to succeed. You will take away simple, accessible ways to move throughtout the day, whether through small movements like stretching and tapping or bigger movements like jumping, dancing or walking! Key Takeaways: Movement is NOT a problem-It's a helpful brain tool to pull out of your toolbox. Feeling wiggly or restless is your body trying to help. Movement can improve focus, calm big emotions, and organize thinking. Sitting still can be challenging because the brain may need movement to function well. Listening to your body's signals is an important skill to exercise, Small or big movement can both make a difference. Your brain loves to move. Movement helps you feel better, find focus faster, and be the best version of yourself.  This episode will empower you to understand your brain/body connection with compassion and curiosity. It will help you replace shame with confidence and see movement as a strength, not a struggle!  Visit me at www.katelynmabry.com for more resources or to reach out with questions and future episode ideas! I would love to hear from you! Have a blessed day!