The Nervous System, Mental Health, and the Role of Movement

If your shoulders sometimes feel like they’re trying to become earrings and your brain insists on replaying awkward moments from 2007 at 2am, you’re not alone. Our nervous system is constantly working behind the scenes, trying to keep us safe, sometimes a little too enthusiastically. The good news is that our bodies also come with built-in ways to reset, and one of the most surprisingly effective tools doesn’t involve overthinking… it involves moving!

Our nervous system plays a huge role in how we experience stress, safety, and emotions - basically acting like an overprotective security guard that never takes a day off. It constantly scans our surroundings for signs of danger or safety, switching on survival responses that help us adapt.

When it senses a threat, it may push us into fight, flight, or freeze mode. These responses are completely normal and helpful… unless the security guard gets a bit too enthusiastic and keeps the alarm ringing long after the danger has passed, which can happen in anxiety, trauma-related difficulties, and chronic stress.

When the nervous system stays on high alert, the body often keeps the score (yes, it's a good book, look for it!). This can show up as tight muscles, restlessness, shallow breathing, fatigue, or that frustrating feeling of not being able to focus even when you really want to, sleep problems etc. Many psychological struggles are not just “in the mind” - they are closely connected to physical sensations and tension stored in the body.

Trauma, in particular, is often held not only as a memory, but also as physical experience. The body can hold patterns of protection such as tension, numbness, hyper-alertness, or feeling disconnected. Somatic approaches to therapy allow the nervous system to process and release stored survival responses that may never have had the chance to complete themselves. Sometimes this involves noticing body sensations, breathing patterns, posture, or small movements that help the body gradually shift out of survival mode.

Movement comes in as a powerful reset button. Activities like walking, stretching, dancing, martial arts, or exercise help release built-up tension and gently signal to the nervous system that it might be safe to stand down.

Research continues to show strong links between physical activity and mental health. Regular movement has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, support emotional regulation, and improve overall wellbeing. The good news is that it does not have to involve intense workouts or complicated routines. Even gentle, consistent, and mindful movement can make a meaningful difference in how the nervous system processes stress.