Rediscovering Movement: How To Build Confidence And Resilience Through Physical Activity

Remember when you were a kid, and moving was as natural as breathing? 

You didn’t call it “exercise” — you called it playing, exploring, living. Here’s something fascinating: that natural movement instinct is still inside you, waiting to be rediscovered.

“Physical activity isn’t something new for humans,” explains movement expert and TaskHuman Coach Prem Annadurai. “It’s an embedded skill and deeply rooted in us.” Think about it — our ancestors didn’t need fitness techology to tell them to move; their survival depended on it.

Yet today, the average adult spends 6.5 hours sitting each day, and our bodies and minds are paying a heavy price. 

Fortunately, awakening your natural movement potential doesn’t have to mean grueling workouts or complicated routines.

Whether you’re currently watching Netflix more than moving or simply feeling stuck in your fitness journey, this guide will help you rediscover movement in a way that builds both confidence and resilience.

The Movement Story Is Written In Your DNA

Your body is the result of thousands of generations of movers. “It’s genetically in there,” Coach Prem emphasizes. 

From ancient hunters tracking prey to farmers tending fields, movement isn’t just something we do — it’s who we are.

It’s how we got to where we are today. For early humans, neanderthals, who existed around 40,000 years ago (really not that far back when you think about it), movement was survival. 

Then, with the rise of the Medieval era, more structured movements emerged, including armies and civilizations. Of course, over the centuries, cultural integration encouraged movement through dance, martial arts, and religious practices.

These days, most movement comes in the form of intentional exercise where we proactively go out and make ourselves move. And that’s only if we make the time or believe we need to.

So why is this the case in modern life? Why did everybody get so still? 

A few key statistics illustrate where we’re at: 

• More than 80% of American jobs are now sedentary (المصدر: Natural Library Of Medicine)
• Only 27% of children play outside their homes compared with the grandparents’ generation (المصدر: Save The Children)
• In 2022, only 31% of adults worldwide met the activity level recommendations for movement. (المصدر: منظمة الصحة العالمية)

Regardless of how much activity you’re currently doing, your body innately craves movement. Those fidgety feelings during long meetings? That urge to stretch after sitting too long? That’s your natural movement instinct trying to break free.

The good news is “It’s already there within us,” Annadurai reassures. “It somehow got lost, but it’s there.” We don’t need to learn how to move — we just need to remember.

Why & How Movement Makes Everything Better

Coach Prem shares something powerful: “Physical activity is as important as education, finances, family, spirituality. It nails down the foundation for other areas of wellbeing.” 

Movement can be the first action to unlock your potential. When you start moving regularly, your body responds in remarkable ways.

You benefit from increased energy levels. Your risk of heart disease can drop. Your brain function dramatically improves. You can strengthen your immune system. You can also feel the benefits in your mental health.

“If you do physical activity, it gives you confidence, which helps you develop confidence and resilience,” Annadurai shares, as someone who witnesses this transformation in people all the time.

People start building up healthy movement habits (going for regular walks, going to the gym, attending classes, and so on) and building ever-increasing self-trust in themselves. They trust that they will do something and see it through.

What’s more, physical challenges and setting goals help to build self-assurance and develop mental strength and resilience. The achievement of accomplishment also helps create a positive momentum in loads of other areas of life.

Exercise has even been proven time and time again to help reduce anxiety and risk of depression, balance and lower stress hormones, boost your mood, and bring about emotional resilience.

“Emotionally, it brings balance,” notes Annadurai. “It helps you to navigate through challenges.” Think of movement as your built-in emotional support system.

The ripple effect

When you embrace movement, you’re not just getting stronger or fitter. You’re building what Annadurai calls “an edge” — that extra capacity to handle whatever life throws your way. It’s your secret weapon for thriving, not just surviving.

Overcoming Barriers & How To Get Moving

Many people experience the same challenges with incorporating physical activity: Time. Motivation. Uncertainty. 

The time trap

“People prioritize other activities or goals over physical fitness,” Annadurai observes. This is especially tricky when we’re all juggling packed schedules. But consider this:

• Just 10 minutes of movement can boost mood for 2 hours
• Short movement breaks increase productivity by 23%
• Multi-tasking movement (like walking meetings) saves time
• Morning movement actually creates more time through increased energy

In practice, movement doesn’t need to consume a lot of time in your day. By getting creative and pairing activities within your existing schedule, you can still reach your health goals and experience the benefits.

Motivation

Here’s something crucial Annadurai shares: “If someone is told to do something (like by the doctor), they may not be successful.” External motivation isn’t enough. 

Instead of thinking “I have to,” try:

• “I get to move this body”
• “I’m investing in my well-being.”
• “I’m reclaiming my natural state.”

Even small mindset shifts such as this can make a world of difference in your attitude towards moving.

The “where do I start?” worry

Not knowing where to start is a common concern. Try incorporating one of these actions into your schedule this week. Next week, add one more:

• Stand up every hour
• Take a 5-minute walk
• Stretch while watching TV
• Dance to one song

Physical limitations? No problem

“Having genuine physical limitations” doesn’t mean you can’t move. It means you move differently. Work with your body, not against it:

• Focus on what you can do
• Modify movements to fit you
• Celebrate small progress
• Listen to your body’s signals
• Work with a coach to create a movement routine that feels good for your body

Remember: “We have to revive this inherent skill,” as Annadurai says. Your body remembers, it’s just waiting for you to begin.

الخاتمة

Coach Prem shares a final insight: “Don’t look for a final outcome immediately.” Success in movement isn’t about overnight transformation — it’s about building a sustainable relationship with your body.

Need support?

Connect with experts like Prem Annadurai on TaskHuman for personalized physical fitness support. Remember, you’re not learning something new; you’re remembering something ancient.

Your body knows how to move. It’s been waiting for this moment. Those first steps might feel small, but they’re the beginning of something powerful. Ready to rediscover your natural movement potential?

Let’s move forward together.

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