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Movement boost

Conversation tools that help find different ways to use movement for emotional regulation.
Time

10–30 minutes

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

Emotion chart, possibly pen and paper for reflection, a quiet space with room for movement

Participants

1 young person, 1 leader

How?

How to do it

Tip
The young person can create their own little “mini table” if they want. The table can be taken with them, attached to the wall, or saved on their phone as a reminder. The emotion table can also be printed out or made by hand and attached to the wall in the youth center, for example.

  1. Download the attached Table of Emotional Movement Patterns.

  2. Use the chart independently as a support in counseling or go through it together with the young person. Choose the emotion in the chart that they are feeling right now or often experience in everyday life.

  3. Discuss how the emotion feels in the body and in what situations it arises. Explain that movement is a way to regulate emotions.

  4. Explore the movement option. Look at the type of movement the table suggests for the emotion in question and discuss whether the movement could work for the young person. Why or why not? Is there another movement that might work better?

  5. If the situation allows, try the suggested movement together.

  6. Observe any changes in their condition. Have the feelings in their body changed after the movement? And their mood? How?

  7. Conclude by reflecting on whether the movement could serve as a tool for regulating emotions in everyday life.

Table of Emotional Movement Patterns PDF
Why?

The method supports young people’s self-awareness and emotional competence and offers concrete ways to improve their own well-being through movement. The development of emotion regulation skills strengthens the feeling of control in everyday life. The strategies that are identified together with the leader and are suitable for the young person increase confidence and support effective interaction.