Exercise and Mental Health 

From my experince I don't believe it matters what kind of exercise you choose if you’re seeking the holistic benefits of movement. Rather than focusing solely on performance, weight loss, or muscle building for example, what matters most is finding something you genuinely enjoy doing, that brings life and prescence in to your body. This is even more important for those who have expereinced sexual trauma. Getting back in to, and taking a hold of your body and its movements will be beneficial on your journey of recovery. 

It might be something you do on your own, or something shared with others. It could be fast-paced or slow and steady, or even a little bit of both. Maybe it's a sport that also comes with a social element, and if that brings you joy, that's wonderful. But if your ideal form of movement is quiet, solitary, and reflective, that's just as valid, what matters is that it aligns with you and your needs.

The most meaningful kind of movement is the one that feels good to you. Not something you have to constantly negotiate with yourself about or drag yourself through or push yourself into. Yes this is what you might encounter when starting something new but it shouldn't stay this way. In terms of intensity, of course, if you enjoy the challenge, the sweat, the sense of having pushed to your limits, if that's what fills you up, then that’s just as nourishing in its own way.

That said, if your primary form of exercise tends to be fast-paced and intense, it can beneficial to complement this with something slower and less outcome-driven. Slower forms of movement can offer balance across the differences spheres; physically, mentally, spiritialy and emotionally. For example, vinyasa yoga is a beautiful practice that weaves together strength and stillness, allowing for both effort and ease at different points. Finding that balance between doing and being can bring a deeper sense of wholeness to your routine.

It can also be deeply restorative to vary your movement, balancing indoor routines with time spent outdoors. That way, you receive not only the physical benefits of moving your body but also the calming, healing energy of being in nature.

There’s no one-size-fits-all, only what resonates with your body, your rhythm, your way of being.

This world is rich with possibility, and part of the journey is discovering what doesn't quite fit, so you can move ever closer to what truly does. Each misstep, each "not quite right," is simply a stepping stone toward alignment.Toward you.