Perspective - Journal of Psychology and Cognition (2025) Volume 10, Issue 2

Thinking with the Body: How Movement Shapes Cognitive Processes in Everyday Life

Department of Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada

*Corresponding Author:

Aria Blackwood
Department of Health Sciences
Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
E-mail: Aria Blackwood

Received: 03-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJPC-25-166659; Editor assigned: 04-Mar-2025, PreQC No. AAJPC-25-166659 (PQ); Reviewed: 18-Mar-2025, QC No. AAJPC-25-166659; Revised: 24-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJPC-25-166659 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2025, DOI: 10.35841/aajpc-10.2.283

Citation: Blackwood A. Thinking with the body: How movement shapes cognitive processes in everyday life. J Psychol Cognition.2025;10(2):283

Introduction

In traditional views of cognition, the brain often takes center stage as the sole architect of thought, reasoning, and decision-making. However, emerging research in cognitive science and psychology challenges this brain-centric perspective by emphasizing the integral role of the body — particularly movement — in shaping cognitive processes. This embodied cognition framework suggests that our bodily experiences, including physical movements, do not merely accompany thought but actively influence and shape how we think, learn, and interact with the world. Understanding this dynamic interplay between movement and cognition offers profound insights into everyday functioning and has practical implications for education, therapy, and productivity [1].

Everyday activities reveal numerous examples of how movement supports thinking. When solving complex problems, people often engage in spontaneous gestures or physical pacing, which can facilitate mental calculations and creative insights. This phenomenon is observed across ages—from children using hand movements to learn math concepts to adults gesturing while explaining ideas [2].

Research shows that even subtle bodily movements can influence cognitive tasks. For example, studies indicate that body posture affects confidence and risk-taking decisions; standing upright can enhance assertiveness, while slouching may reduce it. Similarly, engaging the body in rhythmic movement or physical exercise has been linked to improved attention, memory retention, and executive functioning [3].

Neuroscientific findings provide biological support for the embodied cognition model. The brain’s motor systems are intricately connected with regions responsible for higher-order cognitive functions. Mirror neurons, discovered in premotor cortex areas, activate both when an individual performs an action and when they observe the same action performed by others, underscoring the integration of perception, action, and cognition [4].

Moreover, sensorimotor experiences influence neural plasticity—the brain’s capacity to reorganize and form new connections. Engaging in coordinated movement activities, such as dance or sports, stimulates neural networks that enhance spatial awareness, attention control, and working memory. This neural interplay suggests that movement is not a peripheral activity but a core element of cognitive processing [5].

Movement enhances learning outcomes by grounding abstract concepts in physical experience. Kinesthetic learning, where students engage bodily with material, improves understanding and retention. For instance, acting out historical events or manipulating physical models in science classes allows learners to internalize information more deeply than passive listening or reading [6.

Memory research supports this link: performing gestures while encoding information facilitates later recall. This is partly because motor actions create additional retrieval cues that enrich memory traces. Additionally, physical exercise promotes neurogenesis (growth of new neurons) in the hippocampus, a brain area critical for memory formation.

Incorporating movement into teaching strategies, such as using gestures, role-playing, or interactive activities, can enhance student engagement and comprehension.Taking breaks involving physical activity or changing posture during work hours can refresh mental focus and creativity [7].

Movement-based therapies like yoga, dance, and martial arts integrate physical and cognitive training, reducing stress and improving emotional regulation.Encouraging movement in older adults supports cognitive vitality and slows decline, enhancing quality of life.Movement also plays a critical role in social cognition—the ability to understand others’ intentions, emotions, and actions. Nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language, are essential for interpersonal communication and empathy. The body’s movements serve as a bridge connecting minds in social interactions [8].

Through synchronized movement, such as walking together or dancing, individuals can establish rapport and shared understanding, reinforcing social bonds. This demonstrates that cognition is not only embodied but also distributed across social and physical environments.While the evidence supporting the influence of movement on cognition is compelling, challenges remain in fully integrating this knowledge into mainstream practice. More research is needed to unravel the specific mechanisms, optimal types of movement for various cognitive tasks, and individual differences in embodied cognition [9].

Future technologies, such as wearable sensors and virtual reality, offer exciting possibilities to study and harness movement-cognition interactions in real-world settings. These tools can personalize interventions that optimize cognitive performance through tailored physical activity [10].

Conclusion

The adage “mind over matter” is being reshaped into “mind through matter.” Movement is not merely a byproduct of thinking but a vital part of the cognitive process itself. Our bodies, through their movements and interactions with the environment, actively shape how we perceive, learn, remember, and communicate. Embracing the concept of embodied cognition enriches our understanding of the human mind and opens new pathways for improving learning, mental health, and social connectedness in everyday life.

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