Feeling alive

September 10 marks World Suicide Prevention Day. This day resonates deeply with me. Having witnessed the devastating effects of suicide among loved ones, it is a wound I also carry.

In dark moments, movement has been my lifeline. It helped me reconnect with my body, reclaim my pride, and reawaken me to life’s subtle beauty.

Studies confirm what many of us feel intuitively: strong social connections, regular exercise, mindfulness, and meaningful goals are the pillars of lasting happiness. For me, movement and sport have often been the threads connecting all of these.

I’ve built some meaningful relationships through movement. From my childhood soccer team to my current slackline community, I’ve found people who support, challenge and inspire me. Sharing physical activity also means sharing goals, struggles, victories, and laughter—and that creates real connection.

And there’s science behind the magic. Movement lowers cortisol—decreasing the feeling of stress—and stimulates the production of other key neurotransmitters. On a long run, endorphins fill me with euphoria. Dopamine fuels my pride when I finally master a new skill. While hiking or kayaking, serotonin soothes me as I take in the beauty of the landscape. In climbing, norepinephrine gives me energy and sharp focus. Afterward, when the vagus nerve has been activated, I feel a deep, restorative peace. In these moments, I’m more present. More connected. More alive.

Some activities demand such total focus that the mind’s chatter simply falls away. For me, slacklining and trail running are forced meditations. When my thoughts spiral, I use my body to find stillness.

Find an activity that anchors you. Pursue that which brings you back to your body, your mind, and your people.

Move—and feel alive.