(ThyBlackMan.com) Ever have one of those days where it seems like your mind goes one direction and your body the other? Feeling disjointed? Out of sorts? Did you get chewed out by the boss?
It’s called the mind-body connection. Much of what happens to us in the physical world has immediate effects on our mental and spiritual well-being.
We now know more about the mind-body connection than we did a
quarter-century ago. We know that the mind and body are not separate and disjointed entities. The more we know how to keep our mind and body in balance, the better off our daily experiences will become.
If you want your body and mind to experience a solid connection, tune into your body by following these suggestions.
Eat wholesome and healthy foods:
Research proves that eating ‘smart’ foods such as blueberries go a long way toward extending ‘brain power’ which is crucial to maintaining a stable mind-body connection. Smart foods keep your brain functioning at high levels, especially in the hours after the dreaded 2pm sugar slump. Add grapes, nuts and granolas as healthy snacks.
Stay hydrated
If you want to think clearly and revive your energy level – both of which are crucial to mind-body – drink at least 6 liters of water per day! Water improves your blood circulation as the day wears on your body. This is important because blood flow to your brain will not be adversely affected.
Prayer and meditation
This is the epicenter of the relationship between the mind and body. There is power in repose. Make it a point to immerse your life in silence several times a week. Calm your mind. Breathe deeply at least seven times during the day. You will be amazed at the calming effects of just simply breathing.
Exercise
People often say “I need to get my mind right!” The truth is that the opposite is true: Move your body and your mind will follow. Physical activity between 20 to 30 minutes per day speeds up production of endorphins – the ‘feel-good’ hormones that your body produces. Don’t have twenty minutes? Target at least ten minutes – if you just walk the stairs or local park after work!
Read
This is a mental exercise that is often overlooked by the scientific community – it’s the brain on dumbbells! The biggest benefit, though, is its lasting impact well into our golden years. The brain that’s been sharpened by books from youth through middle-age will perform admirably in old age. Our brain does not necessarily have to age at the same rate as our body. The key is to begin some type of regimen in your forties or fifties, assuming you’ve been sedentary up to that point.
De-stress
Find some positive outlet for the build-up of stress in your life. Here’s the bottom line: inactivity is not a de-stressor. Flopping on the sofa appears to have the same effects on the body as smoking, according to a recently released study. Why else would we term such a person a ‘couch potato’? The good news is that even everyday activities like gardening, brisk walks in the park and yoga offer great benefits to the body.
Treat your mind and body as one entity and you will see dynamic results!
Staff Writer; W. Eric Croomes
This talented brother is a holistic lifestyle exercise expert and founder and executive coach of Infinite Strategies LLC, a multi-level coaching firm that develops and executes strategies for fitness training, youth achievement and lifestyle management. Eric is an author, fitness professional, holistic life coach and motivational speaker.
In October 2015, Eric released Life’s A Gym: Seven Fitness Principles to Get the Best of Both, which shows readers how to use exercise to attract a feeling of wellness, success and freedom (Infinite Strategies Coaching LLC, 2015) – http://www.infinitestrategiescoaching.com.