How To Strengthen The Mind-Body Connection

The mind and body appear as separate entities but both work together as one. There is no point if a brain (and mind)  has nothing to control, and it is pointless if the body does not have instructions. The concept of mind-body connection is how the mind and the body strongly influence each other. The brain and body communicate by neurons. The spine is a communication network as it has a plethora of nerves. These nerves allow them to pass on instructions or information from the brain and vice versa. Because of this, the brain can maintain and balance the body’s functions. 

Is There a Difference Between the Brain and Mind?

The brain is a physical organ with a wide range of functions as such:

  • Processing sensory information (sight, sound, touch, etc.)
  • Controlling movement and actions
  • Regulating emotions and moods
  • Generating thoughts and memories
  • Learning and reasoning

The brain is made up of billions of neurons. As for the mind, it is considerably intangible. The whole concept of the mind refers to consciousness, perceptions, experiences, memories, and imagination. The tangible (brain) and intangible (mind) work in conjunction with each other. However, the mind tends to have a greater influence over the brain. As mentioned the brain can impact bodily function, so the mind can cause some negative or positive affect on the body. 

Acknowledgment of Past, Present, and Imagination 

A critical factor in the mind-body connection is awareness. Certain emotions and other factors not only impacts the brain but also parts of the body. Out of many practices (will explain later) to increase mind-body connection and reduce psychological problems is having awareness. This is commonly incorporated into many practices. In other words, one is to acknowledge what is currently being experienced inward or outward. Providing attention to the problem is the first step in helping attenuate the issue at hand. 

From there, a person will exercise what remedies they have to their knowledge. 

The Body is Being Trained

The body, mind, and brain (the whole unit) are being trained to handle and tolerate situations. Whether it’s processing internal or external stimuli the body will have some sort of response. However, with awareness, the person can respond differently to little to extreme issues. Every experience a person has shapes their perspective. 

Considerably whether it would be a positive or negative experience. It should not be forgotten and acknowledged from time to time. However, not frequently otherwise having to live in thoughts constantly leads to being distracted. Because distractions can decrease the ability to remain aware and concentrated. The essence of this is to condition and process one’s thoughts so there can be a handle to similar issues occurring. 

A cool, collected, and calm mind offers more value to the body. 

If you want to learn more about the intrusive mind. Check out this post: Mind Intrusions: Navigating Through Thoughts

Practices to Strengthen Mind-Body Connection

As previously stated there are many practices to help strengthen and alleviate issues. Much of it has to do with movement, words, breathing, perception, and others. 

At many times physical tension can cause emotional distress and vice versa. 

There is a reason why the mind and body are holistic meaning they are one together. 

Some practices to consider strengthen the connection.

TechniquesWhat is it?Benefit
Cognitive Behavioral TherapyA form of psychotherapy that helps individuals acknowledge the issue and try to change their way of thinking. Recognizing the problem and solving it by taking effective approaches. Tailoring it to your needs. Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Aerobic or anaerobic exerciseGeneral exercise, cardiovascular or strength training. Promote overall health and strengthen the body.Improves mentality as well.
MantrasStatements or phrases to oneself.It helps maintain biological functions. Improves blood flow. It helps produce energy. Promotes calmness and well-being.
BreathingThe process of inhalation and exhalation.Promote overall health and strengthen the body. Improves mentality as well.
Emotional Freedom Technique (Click the link to get a basic overview)A practice where a person taps certain areas of the face and other body parts that could release tension. Also repeating phrases to help calm themselves.Emotional regulation.Pain management.Increased self-awareness. Stress reduction.

Although, these practices appear to be for psychotherapy. But what they all have in common is bringing awareness. Conceptually, a person could use it for other means than reducing stress levels. It could be trying to be more productive by conditioning themselves to do certain tasks. Or gaining mental clarity of some sort.

Can Calisthenics Improve Mind-Body Connection?

Calisthenics refers to bodyweight training where an individual uses their body as resistance. Proprioception helps the body’s ability to sense the position, movement, and orientation of its various parts without relying on vision. This sensory information is detected by specialized receptors called proprioceptors, which are located in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. Proprioception allows us to perform tasks smoothly and accurately, even without consciously thinking about the position of our body parts. 

Proprioceptors act as a feedback loop as well so the brain is aware of how the body is positioned. Naturally, a person is always improving proprioception (That is only if they are frequently physical) To enhance it a person can:

  • Exercise. 
  • Do mobility work.
  • Exposure to different terrains or use of certain equipment.
    • Like hills or uneven surfaces. As for equipment, it could be training or hanging from gymnastic rings or some tree branch. Something that feels unusually different. 
  • Mindfulness

Being physical has a greater influence on the mind. Doing much of these on a weekly basis will sure to improve proprioception. 

Using the Body is Pertinent To All Things

The enhancement of proprioception can be beneficial in many applications such as physical performance, injury prevention, rehabilitation, and partially the mentality of a person.  Along with mindfulness whether it’d be meditating, doing yoga, or tai chi. The individual is scanning their body which can increase awareness of the body hence developing a deeper connection with the mind and body. 

Mental focus and toughness support strides of progress. Especially injuries where a person may have fear or negative emotions. But putting trust and cultivating a positive mindset can help induce speedy recovery. Better yet the individual can better regulate their emotions. A person has the capability to work under pressure surpassing physical or mental limitations. To place a better perspective, training the body also trains the mind. In this case, the person is improving the bond between the mind and body. 

Conclusion

Overall, mind-body connection is crucial for personal development. Being aware and having heightened senses allows the individual to have some control over how they feel, act, and respond to situations. The mind and body work together as one unit as one cannot function without the other. The combination of thoughts, psychotherapy practices, and movement can improve and maintain the bond between the body and mind. It is imperative for one to make time to practice daily whether it be for 5 minutes or an hour since gradual improvements lead to long-lasting success. 

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