This mind-body connection: It's twofer - take advantage
When you take care of your body you are also looking after your mind. Maintaining a healthy diet can be not overlooked in the mind-body connection. Your brain works 24/7, and what you eat directly affects the function of your brain and your mood. Food is fuel for your body and should be a priority. Your brain functions best when it gets premium fuel.
I will be the first to admit that while living in the middle of nowhere I eat more canned, frozen, and processed food than I would like and sadly, the freshest food in the grocery store is more expensive. I try my hardest to strike a balance between fresh food and foods with a shelf life. We all try to maintain some kind of balance, between what works for the pocketbook and the amount of time we can spend in the kitchen preparing healthy meals. No matter which direction I choose, I am aware that how I treat my body will automatically reach my mind. Here are seven mind-body connections for you to consider.
Stay Hydrated. Up to 60% of your body is composed of water. Adequate hydration is needed for every cell, tissue, and organ to function properly. Studies show that lack of water causes several physical and mental issues, like headaches, fatigue, and more. So even when rushing through a busy day, we need to stay hydrated, sipping water continuously wherever we are and whatever we’re doing.
Spend Time in Nature. Studies show that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature can boost both your mental and physical health. Nature rejuvenates and clears your mind. Overall, spending time outdoors helps you ground and connect to reality. Even when the weather does not feel welcoming, getting outside into the fresh air is always beneficial for longevity and healthy living.
Laugh. Laughter is a mind-body phenomenon proven to reduce the production of stress hormones and boost the immune system. When we laugh, our heart, lungs, and muscles get stimulated, and our mood lifts immediately. Watch something that you consider funny and enjoy a burst of good laughter at least once a day.
Practice Gratitude. Thisis the ultimate mind-body practice. It helps reduce sadness and increase happiness and works as a trigger for your brain to activate healing processes within your body and mind. Giving thanks makes you feel connected to something larger than yourself and allows you to reap the benefits of having more satisfaction with life, feeling less materialistic, and feeling more spiritually connected.
Listen to Music. This is a fun and enjoyable way to reconnect with the sensations in your body. Moving to the beat or singing along to your favorite song can help work any bad emotions through the body and out of it so that they don’t get stuck and drain your energy. Musical beats and emotions resonate with the brain, so choosing the music that reflects the energy you desire may help you take control of the way you feel, enhance your mood, and boost your confidence and motivation.
Take Active Breaks. Taking a break from work is another excellent way to reconnect with your physical body and focus on the present moment instead of the to-do list in your head. Wake up your body at least once an hour for a short walk and do some stretches to release tension. Physically stepping away from work tasks or challenges is proven to give your brain a chance to regroup and develop better solutions.
Commit to a Creative Hobby: Artistic media and creative expressions like painting, sculpture, playing musical instruments, doodling, and even cooking help you shift into what is commonly called “flow,” or a meditative state of mind. Such activities are proven to decrease stress and anxiety and help resolve internal conflicts and external problems. Giving yourself a mental workout by trying or learning something new keeps your brain fresh and firing and boosts your zest for life and self-esteem.
Feel free to share your thoughts with me: ashton@ashtoncannon.com.
Ashton Graham is an educator, book publisher, photographer, cowgirl and yoga teacher.
If you like my column “Maintaining Balance” then please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter. www.ashtoncannon.com
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: This mind-body connection: It's twofer - take advantage
