Movement and How it Affects the Body

Most people think of movement as something that benefits the body. But did you know that how you move can directly shape how your brain works—from how you handle stress to how you sleep and even how clearly you think?

At Life Springs Family Chiropractic, this week’s workshop explored the deep, neurological impact of movement. Here’s what we shared:

Your Brain Develops Through Movement

The brain develops in a specific sequence:

• Bottom to top

• Back to front

• Right to left

• Inside out

This means the way you move—especially walking—has a profound effect on activating and maturing different brain regions.

When you walk:

• Your ankles stimulate the cerebellum and frontal lobe

• These areas are crucial for turning off the fight-or-flight response

• You increase glucose uptake and oxygen flow to the brain

Movement Improves Brain Function at Every Level

When you move, your brain doesn’t just feel better—it functions better.

Movement boosts:

• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)→ This chemical boosts learning, memory, and adaptability

• Neurogenesis in the hippocampus→ The part of the brain involved in memory formation

• Stress resilience→ By reactivating the frontal lobe and cerebellum

So if you're struggling with memory issues, mental fog, mood problems, or poor focus, movement isn't just helpful—it's essential.

Inflammation: The Enemy of Brain Health

But movement alone isn’t enough if the brain is under chronic inflammation. The top three drivers of brain inflammation are:

1. Low oxygen saturation – Below 97% reduces brain performance

2. Blood sugar dysregulation – Too high or too low causes inflammatory stress

   • Ideal functional range: 85–100 mg/dL

   • Below 85? That’s hypoglycemia. Above 100 consistently? That’s prediabetic.

3. Chronic stress – Shuts down your frontal lobe, pushing you into survival mode

Movement Deactivates Fight-or-Flight

When you’re stressed, your frontal lobe loses blood flow, and your body defaults to fight-or-flight mode. That’s when you feel reactive, overwhelmed, and stuck.

The antidote? Move your body.

When you walk, bounce, or even sway rhythmically:

• You reactivate the frontal lobe

• You calm the limbic system

• You retrain your nervous system toward healing

Simple, Natural Help for Anxiety, Depression & Sleep

Looking for a drug-free way to improve your mental health? Start with movement.

It:

• Stimulates your frontal lobe

• Activates your cerebellum

• Encourages calm, clarity, and better sleep

No fancy gym. No complicated routine. Just consistent, brain-driven movement.

Missed the workshop? Watch the full session here:

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