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The other day I was watching the Intern, the 2015 movie with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway when the last scene brought about a barrage of thoughts. And hence this post.
De Niro is shown enjoying his Tai Chi session, relaxed and calm when Hathaway joins him. It is one of those subtle endings where the tranquillity of the Tai Chi session probably is symbolic to the end of a crisis for Hathaway’s character. That was also precisely the point where I was reminded of a conversation with someone from M’s crèche around Movement Therapy and Depression.
Did you know that movement therapy is used to treat depression? I didn’t. But it got me thinking. And…
The suggestions for taking a walk to gain some perspective when angry or upset suddenly didn’t seem patronising at all. The morning walks which help increase awareness, change attitude and perception assumed a sense of renewed purpose. Even yoga and Tai Chi suddenly had more meaning, over and above their apparent physical benefits. And then I did a little bit of reading.
Murakami said I move, therefore I am. And tell you what, it suddenly made so much sense. Life is movement, in movement. To stagnate is to wither away and who wants that to happen, right?
Movement is so intrinsic to our well-being. Why did I not connect those dots earlier in life? The happiness encompassing me those hundreds of times while performing the tukras in Kathak was just the positivity from the very act of dancing. Yes, dance, just another form of movement therapy. Suddenly the term letting your hair down while dancing seems so relevant and conducive to shedding negative emotions, doesn’t it?
Yoga. How many times my father must have stressed the importance of Yoga. But I never listened. Why didn’t I? It is as much beneficial to our emotional and mental well-being as it to our spiritual and physical wellness. No wonder yoga is today’s elixir to stress busting.
Did you know movement therapy, especially in the form of dance, is used as a way to treat Autism? I always believed that dance is therapeutic but this perspective is new. When I view it through the lenses of movement therapy, so much makes sense. That’s the power of movement, I suppose.
Consciousness is only possible through change; change is only possible through movement. – Aldos Huxley
The past month or so I have been taking short walks around the office to deal with day to day stress. I had even mentioned it in one of my posts. And trust me when I say this, that even a 5-minute walk has helped me. It has calmed me down considerably. Of course, I have had meltdowns in between but it could have been worse. I think everyone, every woman especially, needs to try and inculcate movement therapy in some form or the other. Our lives are so stressful as it is, the lack of time and rest signal we need it even more. I think taking a walk or simply dancing could be one of the ways. My sister actually started taking Zumba classes recently and I can see a change already. Again, the magic of movement at work.
Movement is a medicine for creating change in a person’s physical, emotional and mental states. – Carol Welch
Depression is a reality, one often ignored, dissed or swept under the rug. But it is a reality nonetheless. The ideal thing to do in such cases is to seek help, both from your family and professionals. But meanwhile, maybe we can focus on movement to do away with some of the stress in our day to day lives. After all, movement is life!
Your thoughts, please? Do you practice any form of movement therapy?
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I know exercise lifts the moods. Whether it is a gym workout or a brisk walk, Yoga or even meditation, they all have a good effect on your mood. So yes, I guess movement helps.
I have started walking around in the office campus whenever I get some time. And it does feel really good and refreshing.
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
Any movement works wonders when one is dealing with sadness, stress and depression. A simple walk in the sun or in the cool breeze has the power to lift up the mood provided the situation is not serious.
So, true Anamika. I’m new to this. Well, as in, discovered the benefits very recently,
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
As a counsellor, when working with depression and others psychological issues, we obviously focus on the persons feelings but I never forget to work with my clients on what they are physically doing in their life. The body and the mind and inextricably linked. Just make yourself as big as possible for a couple of minutes by stretching your arms out high and wide like a victory pose and you will notice feelings of greater capability than when you sit in a hunched position. Even in two minutes making these movements has been shown to alter the hormonal balance in our bodies for the better. And that doesn’t take in to account the impact of being outdoors. Great post. All so true.
Oh that’s such a nice suggestion, I’m going to do that. In fact, I can do that while working too. I’m only discovering the benefits of movement and the outdoors, or rather acknowledging it, and it feels wonderful really.
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
Would go with Rachna’s PoV here. Exercise is my movement to uplift my mood. I feel the freshest after yoga and some plank exercises.
But thank you for pointing this out Nabanita. I didn’t know any form of movement can treat a bad mood. Do you think taking someone who is angry or sad, to an amusement park, and making them sit on rides is a good idea?
ahh..don’t know about that. but I think a change of scene, the outdoors and the entire process of getting there might reduce the anger. But hey, I’m no expert 🙂
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
I have not really thought about movement as therapy, but when you talk about it, I can’t help but agree to your points here. I do agree that we feel the freshest after a bit of exercise. I love going for walks and doing yoga,
Oh I don’t know much Bhavya but this is what I have heard too and even i can’t help but agree..
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
One of the first steps when treating depression is behaviour activation — it’s either engaging in pleasureable activities or else exercising and increasing activity levels. Endorphins start to make us feel better and activity levels help with that. I’ve used exercise for years to prevent a lot of my mental health issues. Having said that, it’s only part of the treatment because after all, it’s important to address underlying thoughts and beliefs.
Oh absolutely, Sanch. I agree with you that it is only a part of the treatment. These days I take walks to keep my mood swings at bay. But like you said, it solves only a part of the problem
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
I am not a qualified person by any stretch of the imagination – but at times I find myself wallowing. I agree that movement is a way of getting though these periods and it is not only the physical movement of my body which I find recuperative – I receive enormous benefit from the movement of nature around me – standing or walking in the wind, relaxing in the ocean or a flowing river, walking through forests and even riding my motorcycle. I’m not sure if it is the feeling of freedom or the security offered by the movement, but I do indeed find movement beneficial. Thanks for this article 🙂
Thanks for reading 🙂 And I agree with you. any kind of movement has that effect on us.
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
I agree to all your points, Naba. I feel happier and pacified when I take a stroll. Stress is so much part of our lives these days that tackling it would be the most important factor that decides our happiness.
Absolutely, Maliny. I guess we should do all that we can, especially those which doesn’t take much to keep the stress at bay.
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
True that lack of movement is stagnation, followed by overall ill-health. There’s something called movement therapy — turn on the music and dance like nobody’s watching. Being active keeps a number of health conditions at bay 🙂 And oh, LOVE de Niro!
Oh yes. I think dancing is one of the best stress busters. 🙂
I love de Niro too 😀
NabanitaDhar recently posted…Movement Therapy & Depression
How true, Nabanita! I have been experiencing it since the last year when I began Yoga. One session missed and it leaves me feeling low. And, since some time now, I began my night walks (30 mins brisk walk) along with my morning Yoga session and I notice a big change in myself. It’s the movement that leaves us feeling rejuvenated, thanks to the heart beat and the flow of the blood through our veins that speeds up as we move!
I am a choreographer and dance is my passion and completely agree that it is therapeutic. Whenever I dance I forget everything and feel good about it. And not only dance but any kind of workout or physical activity can make you happy, light and refresh you.
I do yoga for a half hour every morning, but I don’t know how much it affects my mental state. Then again, I’ve never NOT done it, so maybe I would be more of a mess than I already am 🙂
Absolutely ! Negative thoughts will find us if we just sit and worry. Be it dance, workouts or walking, they will not make our problems disappear, but they will fill us with enough positivity and enthusiasm to tackle any situation. 😀 glad you are doing the wAlks… 😀 loved this post and the message behind it.
I find walking alone everyday helps. I walk for two hours and it gives me time to think and allow my mind to be a peace.
Interesting informative post!
Heard that dance does elevate the mood. Not that I am a great dancer but I sure do put on some music and ssway along when i feel low. It works like magic and I am back to my usual self in a while.
I don’t know if I consciously do any ‘movement therapy’, but yes, moving about seems to bring about a positive change in me.
On another note, did you like the movie?
Movement Therapy – I totally believe in it although I didn’t know it was called this until now 🙂
Sitting still or idle is boring. It leads to unnecessary thought and later depression. Walking around, exercise or random dancing helps more than one can think.
How’s the movie? I’m yet to watch it but it does look interesting. Then again, how can anything with De Niro not? 🙂
I loved The Intern and I have watched it twice. Movement therapy has always had an impact on me. More mentally than physically. If not for my back, I would have certainly attempted Oxfam 🙂
There is such a connection between body and mind and I agree movement is so important when dealing with Depression and in fact most illnesses for body and mind. Being out in the fresh air walking, running, swimming or riding a bike is of huge benefit xx
#mg