As the Calm app says, “The mind-body connection is a two-way relationship where the mind influences the body, and the body influences the mind.”
The mind-body connection is a phrase we often hear in wellness communities, as it’s one of the most important things you can become aware of if you want to boost your physical well-being. The reason why the mind-body connection is tantamount to just having a healthy diet or a good workout routine is that everything begins with your mental state, including setting mindful intentions for how you want your physical body to look and feel. But this is more than just a theory, as scientific studies are starting to prove the integral link between the mind and the body.
The Washington University School of Medicine reported that their researchers conducted a new study that “indicates that the idea that the body and mind are inextricably intertwined is more than just an abstraction. The study shows that parts of the brain area that control movement are plugged into networks involved in thinking and planning, and in control of involuntary bodily functions such as blood pressure and heartbeat. The findings represent a literal linkage of body and mind in the very structure of the brain.”
To celebrate “National Wellness Month” (which happens annually in August), Inspirations & Celebrations is publishing a series of wellness-focused guides this month, designed to inspire you to proactively care for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
4 Pro Tips on How To Strengthen Your Mind-Body Connection
The first guide shared 3 Ways To Boost Your Mental Wellbeing Through Mindfulness. In today’s guide, we’re speaking to the pros about practical tips on how to strengthen the mind-body connection, while consciously making little changes to your daily routine that will dramatically improve your mental and physical state over time.
Create a daily gratitude practice
In the last guide, we talked about the importance of paying attention to the words you speak (either internally or externally). That’s why incorporating a gratitude practice into your routine can positively transform your mental and physical state.
As seen in Vogue, Elle, and The H0llywood Reporter, Risa Sheppard, (Studio Owner of The Sheppard Method Pilates & Training Center and Pilates Master for celebrity clients like Reba McEntire, Katherine Ross, and Ali MacGraw), agrees that the phrases you repeat to yourself have an impact on your mind and body, which is why she recommends a daily gratitude practice.
She says, “A moment of gratitude is more powerful than a thousand negative ones. Even if we don’t feel it at the time, the switch from a negative view of the day to a positive one changes our vibration, and we make it easy to attract more good into our lives. As you go about your day, turn every negative thought, and change the channel to a positive one. Just changing from “it’s a lousy day” to “it’s a wonderful day” changes the vibration. Even if you don’t believe it at the time, keep saying it until you do. These changes, however small, will help you feel, look, and exude confidence and a loving attitude toward yourself and others.”
Start building a mindful relationship with your food
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat”. Well, there’s a lot of truth to that, because at the core – the food we consume impacts not only our bodily functions, but it’s also creating the foundation of our cells. Because we often end up eating out of habit, because we’re stressed, or due to a craving, we don’t always consciously think about what we’re putting on our plates. And, with so many people in Western civilization having junk food at our disposal everywhere we turn, it’s no wonder that people are experiencing more health issues than decades before. So, one of the best ways to strengthen and improve the mind-body connection is through awareness and intention.
As a well-known author and speaker who has taught millions how to achieve health and well-being with natural remedies, Dr. Dana Cohen has been on the leading edge of integrative and functional medicine for the past two decades, and worked alongside Dr. Robert Atkins, author of Dr. Atkins’s New Diet Revolution, in his New York City-based wellness center. Her upcoming new book Fuel Up: Harness the Power of Your Blender and “Cheat” Your Way to Good Health (on sale September 2024) is full of game-changing insights, tips, and recipes for “cheating” your way to a healthier diet through easy and delicious smoothie recipes.
She recommends, “Rather than always eating based on habit, instinct, or a set schedule, get to know your hunger cues and ask yourself questions about why you make certain choices around food, maybe even challenging your assumptions once in a while about what you like and what you don’t. The more we understand why we make certain choices, the easier it is to make ones that leave us feeling nourished. Pay attention to how foods affect your body. By trying new things and swapping in or out different ingredients, you can get a better sense of how certain things affect your body. Everyone’s body is different, so by being flexible, mindful, and creative, you can find what works best for you.”
Incorporate short bursts of energy into your day
To revitalize your mind while recharging your body, Todd Durkin (a world-class mindset coach, trainer, author, and speaker who has trained dozens of current NFL and MLB athletes including Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, Reggie Bush, Darren Sproles, Tony Gwynn Jr., and other active players) recommends incorporating short bursts of energy into your day. This is especially helpful if you work a 9-to-5 or office desk job, which can zap your energy and make you feel groggy.
He says, “Short, intense bursts of exercise, such as a quick 10-minute workout, can boost metabolism, release endorphins, and improve overall fitness without requiring a significant time commitment. This approach makes it easier to stay active even with a busy schedule.” He explains that three primary benefits of doing this throughout your day include “increasing your energy levels, improving your mood, and enhancing your cardiovascular health”.
Prioritize quality sleep
Last, but not least, prioritize quality sleep. Sleep is one of those daily human activities that we often take for granted. It’s usually when we haven’t had a good night’s sleep that we feel the ramifications (grogginess, lack of clarity, dark circles under our eyes, and so on). On the flip side, there’s nothing like a deep, satisfying sleep to help you wake up feeling fantastic, and ready to start a new day.
Dr. Haley Parker, a Lead Acupuncturist at VUIM Clinic and Clinical Director at the Virginia University of Integrated Medicine (who has worked with several high-profile clients including NFL players, Baseball players, pro golfers, legislators, actors, producers, models, and Las Vegas performers) agrees that prioritizing sleep is one of the best things you can do to boost your mind-body connection.
She says, “Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night by maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating a restful environment. Quality sleep is crucial for muscle recovery, cognitive function, and overall well-being. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, releases growth hormones, and consolidates memories, all of which are vital for athletic performance. A well-rested athlete will experience improved reaction times, better mood regulation, and reduced risk of injuries.”
For more inspiring ideas and advice from the pros (including celebrity fitness coaches and leading health & wellness experts), check out the Health & Beauty section on Inspirations & Celebrations.