We have seven layers to our existence, namely body, breath, mind, intellect, memory, ego, and self. But more often than not, we aren’t aware of how each influences us. Breath controls the body; our judgments influence our reactions; ego affects our behavior; memory preserves events; while the soul refines us. Health isn’t limited to our physical being but goes beyond it. For exploring the mind-body connection further, consider the following example.
You are chasing the deadlines in your dream job every day and have fantastic family and friends, but the stress has caused you severe back pain. This physical setback will slowly reflect in your daily work leading to disruption. This is how we understand the impact of the mind-body connection. The well-being of the body brings peace of mind and vice versa.
4 Benefits of the Mind-Body Practice
- Boosts mental health
Our physical well-being affects our mental state. If you have noticed, in mental health patients, disorders like depression, anxiety, self-doubt, etc., make them weak and dull. Even chronic pain keeps one in a bad mood throughout. Hence, incorporating plans that validate the mind and body relationship helps greatly.
- Facilitates de-addiction
The body influences the mind in many ways. Understanding this can help you establish a therapy plan that involves mind-body treatment. And during recovery, positive self-talk matters immensely. Deciding in mind that you will no longer stay addicted can make you act in the same manner and vice versa.
- Helps manage stress
The stress response becomes better with a better understanding of the mind-body connection. You no longer feel the urge to react immediately and learn to be resilient.
- Leads to a long and healthy life
To fight against life’s challenges, such as trauma, surgery, heartbreak, etc. and for overall well-being, it is essential to improve the mind-body connection.
5 Ways to Improve Body-Mind Connection
- Yoga and meditation
Yoga and Meditation improve awareness in mind and enhance the flexibility of the body. The impact on our overall outlook is when we start feeling confident and take charge of our emotions.
Our breathing styles reflect how we feel at most times. Like when we are stressed, our breathing is shallow, and vice versa. Sudarshan Kriya is a rhythmic breathing technique that stabilizes our minds and relieves us from preconceived notions. With regular practice of the Kriya, we become better at managing our lives practically.
- Deep breathing
Deep Breathing techniques improve our awareness, making us focus on our breaths. This improves brain functions and also enables us to fight against chronic pains.
- Guided imagery
Have you felt ecstatic watching someone’s photos when they were on a vacation, say a trek in the mountains? Similarly, has depressing news someday given you the fear of it happening to you or your family? This is all the impact of imagery. Practicing positive guided imagery improves the mind-body connection, refreshes us, and boosts our energy levels.
- Proper nutrition
Nutritious food keeps your mind in control as the body is active and the metabolism is faster. Recovery from mental health issues, substance use, etc., becomes easier if you consume healthy food.
Conclusion
The mind and body are like the treasures we possess and a holistic approach to mind-body connection can guarantee a pain-free and fulfilling life. How deeply you can integrate them is a decision you must take today and act on it. After all, positive psychology can open the way for many treatments in the future.
