Movement Matters to our Senses

How Does Movement Support Sensory Processing?

One of the things we say a lot of the time when it comes to integrating our senses is about how important movement and exercise is. We all move every day, but don’t realise how it's a vital tool for managing sensory information and keeping our minds and bodies healthy and in balance. For people with sensory processing challenges, movement becomes more than just a way to stay active. It’s an essential part of their sensory diet for optimum health and well-being.

So let’s have a look at how movement helps the brain, especially when it comes to calming, focusing, and staying organised.

The Key Systems at Play: Vestibular & Proprioceptive

Vestibular System (Balance and Movement)
The vestibular system is in our inner ear and helps us keep our balance and sense how we’re moving. When this system is over-reactive or under-reactive in someone with sensory issues, it can lead to feeling dizzy, anxious, or being uncoordinated.

• Movement helps by stimulating the vestibular system. Activities like rocking, swinging, going upside down or even spinning can help calm the body and improve focus.
  
  

Proprioceptive System (Body Awareness)
This system helps us know where our body is in space—how much pressure to use when touching something, how hard to push, or how to sit upright. For people with sensory processing and integration issues, it can be hard to sense where the body is or how it feels in different positions.

• Heavy work activities like pushing, lifting, or squeezing can activate the proprioceptive system and provide calming input. It helps the brain stay organised and filter out distractions, making it easier to focus.
  
  

Movement and the Brain

When we move, our brain is constantly processing information. Here’s how movement can affect the brain:

• Boosts Mood and Focus: Movement releases feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which help with mood, focus, and attention.
  
  
• Improves Brain Flexibility: Physical activity helps the brain build new connections, which is key for sensory processing and regulation.
  
  
• Calms the Nervous System: Movement helps to balance the body’s stress response, which can help reduce overwhelm and anxiety.
  
  

Movement as a Sensory Tool

For those with sensory issues, using movement throughout the day can help manage sensory overload and stay focused. Here’s how to use movement for sensory regulation:

• For calming: Slow, steady movements like rocking or stretching, or using a weighted blanket, or using a therapy ball for deep pressure, can help calm the nervous system.
  
  
• For focus and energising: Jumping, dancing, or bouncing on a therapy ball can provide energising input to boost attention and alertness.
  
  
• For transitions: Quick movement breaks between activities, like star jumps/jumping jacks or a few minutes of stretching, wall push-ups, carrying heavy items, or squeezing a stress ball for body awareness.can help with shifting gears.
  
  
  

Conclusion

Movement is much more than just a way to stay fit—it’s a powerful tool for regulating sensory input, improving focus, and calming the body and mind. For those with sensory processing and integration challenges, movement helps organise the brain and create a sense of balance. By using simple movements every day, you can help your brain and body feel more in control, focused, and calm.

So, next time you feel overwhelmed or distracted, take a movement break—it could be just what you need!

To your sensory health - Santé!