Movement as a means to support regulation

I have met a few dedicated people over the years that have prioritised exercise as medicine for their mental health. As diagnosis soar I hope most people have that thing, or things they do semi-regularly to support themselves. I read recently that 15-20% of the population are deemed neuro-divergent, which to be honest, did not surprise me. Dyspraxia affects 1 in 20 school aged children, and the ABS states that 4.3% of children from the age of 5 to 14 have Autism. While there is no treatment targeting the core issue of social emotional development in ASD, we as carers and educators can still support regulation through yoga, exercise, meditation and dance.

As mentioned in my facebook post a good gym session releases many neurochemicals in the brain and body. Physiologically there is a sense of achievement, we often experience better sleep, circulation of the lymph and energy levels improve. Dance provides an expressive form of movement which increases heart rate, improves co-ordination and allows opportunities for people to socialise

The Webinar Movement as Medicine - how music, movements and dance transform the neurodivergent brain included a study from 2023 regarding the spike in mental health cases during the Covid19 experience. The study looked at the emotional state and social connection following a 1 hour dance intervention introduced online to people during isolation. Results showed that out of those that attended rates of depression lowered, and self esteem and social connectedness increased.

While it is common to understand the contribution physical activity has on our mental health, we underestimate the contribution the social aspect has. We overlook it. As humans, our brains are hardwired for connection, and when I learnt this I understood so much more the meaning of tribes, communities and the importance of belonging. Connection is a fundamental need necassary for our survival, as seen in Maslow's hierarchy of needs.

Eye contact in itself releases several key neurochemicals that facilitate trust and empathy.

Oxytocin for bonding is released, along with Dopamine and Serotonin, activity in the Amygdala is reduced and in the right circumstances there is an opening for interbrain  synchronisation to take place. This is when our brain waves come into alignment with other beings, which we often see within our relationships with friends and partners. Also with our children, after all, their genetic makeup comes from our own.

Side note - I recently looked into this phenomena between humans and animals (my children and I recently got a puppy) and the results showed that, yes! A UK based lecturer on animal science stated that interbrain synchrony can be established through eye contact with animals, especially dogs. This felt true in my body. There is such a visceral connection between dogs and their people. Singing and problem solving with other people are also drivers for the release of oxytocin, as is gentle touch.

The Webinar referred to 6 fundamental developmental patterns of total body connectivity, created in the 1940s by a dancer turned researcher named Irmgard Bartenieff. These movements integrate organically as our body and mind grow and develop. They are said to improve breathing capacity, create better motor coordination, support injury rehabilitation and improve posture and alignment in turn regulating how we think and feel. If you are interested in learning more please search Bartenieff fundamentals.

I have put together a list of some groups promoting collaboration through community and movement:

Act belong commit

Volunteering WA

Libraries and Leisureplex's

Meetup.com

Ability WA

Circus WA

Improv - dance, drama, comedy

Strava for hikers and runners

Physiotherapy and chiropractic practises

Lastly I will leave here a link to our free resource, This is me. We include this is the movement part of the workshop. The song is high vibe and promotes a postive growth mindset, and for those willing to join in gets them engaged and moving. Once movement has been covered I generally have a calmer room to work with. Try it at home, you will notice!

I hope you learnt something new from todays blog, please leave me a review and share the word about movement as medicine.

This is Me

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• Movement As Medicine: How Music, Movement, and Dance Transform the Neurodivergent Brain