Move Like You Love Yourself

I just returned from a morning run to kickstart my day—the cool breeze on my skin, the sun shining brightly and the ocean waves gently crashing in sync with the birds singing in the trees. Even though I am on annual leave, I choose to move my body every day like I love myself, because it fills me with energy, clarity and gratitude. There is something magical about starting the day with movement that connects me to my surroundings and to myself.

It’s moments like these that make my body feel alive, my heart expand with joy, my mind find clarity and my soul overflow with a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation.

And yes, of course I was kitted out in the luxurious designs of TAW collective from head to toe. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of alignment and empowerment, wearing the Embody & Vixen range. As the gorgeous Anna Rose, the innovative creatrix of TAW Collective so beautifully reminds us Move Like you Love Yourself. These words echo in my heart, encouraging me to embrace every movement as an act of self-love and celebration.

I also decided to do a self-photoshoot to capture the breathtaking sunrise and stunning backdrop, enhancing the magic of my morning run. The sky was a masterpiece, as the first rays of sunlight bathed the world in a golden glow. Pausing to document this moment felt like an act of gratitude and self-expression, a way to honour the beauty of the morning and the connection I felt with myself and with the world around me. It was a reminder of the joy that comes from embracing simple yet profound moments of movement, along with the moments of stillness and creativity.

For those who are new to the Wild Wellness Blog, I recently joined a new gym 3 weeks ago and let me tell you—it feels so damn incredible to be moving my body again, in a space where I can explore new ways to challenge and nurture my body.

On Monday morning, during my cardio and upper body workout, two lovely ladies in their 60s approached me as I was using battle ropes and doing overhead plate presses. They told me they had never seen these exercises before and were curious to know more. After a conversation and demonstration, I moved on to my next exercise, only to feel a rush of joy in my heart as I looked back and saw these same women giving the battle ropes a go. They were laughing, cheering each other on and fully embracing the moment with fearless curiosity. It was a beautiful reminder of the joy that comes when we move our bodies with intention, curiosity and love.

That moment reminded me of how movement is more than just about strength and stamina—it’s a celebration of life, an act of self-love and a way to inspire and connect with others. When we move like we love ourselves, we transform—as we honour our bodies but also our hearts, minds and relationships, radiating energy that creates ripples of connection and inspiration.

Why Is Exercise Important?

Exercise is about honouring your body, nurturing your mind, staying active and boosting your overall well-being. While often associated with goals like weight loss or muscle building, movement holds a deeper purpose. It’s a form of self-expression, self-care, and self-love—a way to celebrate our bodies for the incredible things they do every day.

Exercise is more than fitness; it is a way to celebrate your body, uplift your mood and nurture your mind & soul. Movement is one of the simplest yet most personal ways to care for yourself. What works for one person may not work for another, and that’s okay. The key is finding a way to move that feels joyful, sustainable, and aligned with your needs.

Movement helps us connect with ourselves in ways that transcend the physical, opening doors to joy, clarity, and self-compassion. For me, exercise is a form of self-expression. I love to run, walk, dance, and explore different ways to move. Each activity offers something unique: the peace and clarity of a morning jog, the mindfulness of a quiet walk, the sheer freedom of dancing to my favourite song, or the grounding sense of gratitude from a stroll through nature. Movement reminds me that my body is a gift—not something to be fixed, but something to be celebrated.

The truth is, exercise is deeply personal. What works for me might not work for you, and that’s more than okay. Finding a routine that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and goals is the key to creating a sustainable practice that feels good—rather than feeling like a chore.

Move Every Day Like You Love Yourself

Think of exercise as an act of self-love—a way of saying, “I care about my health, my energy, and my happiness.” The way we approach exercise reflects how we feel about ourselves. When we move like we love ourselves, exercise becomes a celebration of what our bodies can do, not a punishment for what we think they lack.

The essence of exercise lies in its versatility. It can be anything that brings you joy—whether it’s a brisk walk, a leisurely stroll through nature, an intense gym session, a gentle yoga flow, or dancing in your living room or barefoot in the backyard. Moving your body every day is an act of care and compassion, about tuning into what your body needs and responding with kindness. Some days, that might mean an intense workout; other days, it could be a gentle stretch or a slow, mindful walk.

When you move your body like you love yourself, exercise shifts from obligation to celebration. It becomes a way to honour what your body can do, not punish it for what it isn’t. Movement doesn’t have to be intense or time-consuming to be meaningful—it can be as simple as stretching in the morning, walking through your neighbourhood or dancing in your living room. What matters most is that it feels good to you and nurtures both your physical and emotional well-being.

Questions to Find the Right Movement for You

Choosing an exercise routine starts with understanding yourself—your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. Use these questions as a guide:

Your Preferences:

What types of movement do I naturally enjoy?

Walking, running, dancing, yoga, swimming, cycling, strength training, or something else?

Does working out alone help me recharge, or do I thrive on group energy and accountability?

What environment makes me feel most comfortable?

Do I enjoy being outdoors in nature, at home in private, or in a structured gym or studio setting?

Do I like variety or routine? Am I energised by trying new activities, or do I prefer a consistent workout plan?

Your Lifestyle:

What time of day do I feel most energized and motivated?

Morning, midday, or evening?

What does my schedule realistically allow?

Do I have time for short daily activities, or would longer sessions a few times a week work better?

What resources do I have access to? Do I have a local park, gym, or fitness class nearby? Do I need equipment, or can I use what I already have?

Your Motivation:

What keeps me consistent with exercise?

Is it accountability, visible progress, variety, or simply the way movement makes me feel?

Do I prefer setting specific fitness goals, or do I enjoy exercising without pressure?

How do I want to feel after I exercise? Energised, calm, accomplished, joyful or something else?

Your answers to these questions can help guide you toward the type of exercise and movement that feels right for your life and body. Here are some examples and scenarios to help spark ideas as you design your personal movement practice (it is more than ok if you fit into multiple scenarios as you know what you and your body need in any given moment):

Morning Person Who Craves Solitude: If you enjoy quiet time and feel energised in the morning, you might love a sunrise walk, a solo run or a peaceful yoga flow at home before your day begins to clear your mind and energise your body.

Night Owl Who Loves Community: If you feel most alive in the evenings and enjoy socialising, consider a dance class or team sport after work might be ideal for you.

Nature Lover: If being outdoors soothes your soul and rejuvenates you, hiking, trail running, cycling or paddleboarding in nature might bring you joy.

Structure-Seeker: If you thrive on routine and are motivated by accountability, try working with a personal trainer, following an online program or committing to joining a weekly fitness class.

Spontaneous Adventurer: If you love variety, explore different activities like rock climbing, Zumba, kickboxing, or seasonal sports like skiing or kayaking.

Remember, getting 10,000 steps a day or going to the gym three times a week might not be right for you. Only you can decide what feels good, joyful and sustainable for your body and your lifestyle.

 Exercise has undeniable physical benefits—like improving strength, endurance and cardiovascular health—it also impacts our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Movement has the ability to:

Boost your mood through the release of endorphins (the “feel-good hormones).

Increase focus and mental clarity.

Reduce anxiety, tension or feelings of worry by calming your nervous system.

Enhance confidence by showing you what your body is capable of.

Create connection through group activities and shared experiences.

When you move with intention, you create a space to reconnect with yourself, release negativity and recharge your energy. These benefits go beyond the surface—they enrich our lives in meaningful ways.

The secret to making exercise a regular and sustainable part of your life is to focus on what brings you joy. When movement feels like a gift—something you get to do rather than something you have to do—it transforms your experience and becomes a natural and rewarding part of your life.

You might choose to ask yourself:

What types of movement make me feel happy and free?

How can I make exercise something I look forward to instead of something I dread?

How can I shift my mindset to see exercise as a gift, not a task?

What small steps can I take to make movement a regular part of my day?

Exercise is a personal journey—a way to connect with your body, honour your needs, support your vitality and care for your well-being. It’s not about fitting into someone else’s routine but about finding the type of movement that feels good (or even great) for you and makes you want to keep showing up. I invite you to move your body every day like you love yourself.

Explore different activities, ask yourself what brings you joy, and embrace the freedom to create a routine that works for you. The goal is connection—to your body, your mind, and your heart. As the saying goes, “The best exercise for your body is the one you will love enough to keep doing. So, find your joy, and let your body move in celebration of all that you are.”

For me, movement is a love language. It is about feeling alive. Running clears my head and energises my body. Walking gives me space to breathe with nature and reflect. Dancing reminds me to embrace joy without overthinking and reminds me of the simple pleasure of movement.

Over the years, I have learned to tune into what my body needs. Some weeks, I thrive on structure, following a workout schedule or attending a fitness class. Other times, I let go and move intuitively in ways that feel good—whether it’s stretching on my yoga mat, dancing in my living room, or exploring a new trail. There have been seasons when exercise felt like an obligation, just another task on my to-do list. I have learned to approach it with curiosity and compassion, embracing both structure and spontaneity depending on what my body and mind need in the moment.

No matter the form, movement has taught me to listen to my body and honour its needs.

For me, movement is an act of self-love—a way to honour my body, connect with my soul, and say, “You are worth this care and attention.”

Exercise is deeply personal—what works for one person might not work for another, and that’s okay. It is about creating a practice that aligns with your preferences, values and lifestyle. The key is to find a way of moving that feels right for you—one that honours your body, your needs and your unique rhythm.

Move your body every day like you love yourself.

Choose activities that bring you joy, nourish your body and support your well-being.

Remember, there’s no “right” way to move—there’s only your way.

“The best kind of movement is the one that makes your heart happy, your body strong and your soul alive. Find your joy, let movement be a celebration of who you are and move with love.”