The Mind-Body Connection
What makes us who we are? Is it our minds and knowledge? Or is it our physical bodies and the way we look? This is a pretty basic question because I think we can all agree that the correct answer isn't either one. After all, they are so closely related to one another. There are two sides to the connection. An example of the body-to-mind connection is that certain foods we choose to put into our bodies can impact our mental state in vastly different ways. Whether we eat junk food that makes our stomach feel sick which then causes our mind to hurt from the physical pain, or if our mind is just disappointed in ourselves for eating that junk food, the result is the same.
This also goes the other way that when we are feeling down mentally, it can impact our biological functioning. Do you ever notice when you have a bad day and feel mentally exhausted you somehow also feel physically exhausted even though you weren't physically active? This is because of the mind-body connection. An informative quote about the reason for this comes from Dr. James Gordon. He said, "The brain and peripheral nervous system, the endocrine and immune systems, and indeed, all the organs of our body and all the emotional responses we have, share a common chemical language and are constantly communicating with one another" (Menezes, 2020). This shows us how interlinked we humans are. Even though our mind tells our body how to move and act, the fact is that our body can and often does impact our mental state.
Another interesting way to think about the mind-body connection is how it can work positively as well. An example I like to use is when you go on a run. Your body may be tired from the physical exercise, but your mind is firing endorphins that are providing you with a “runner’s high”. What's interesting is that your mind and your body are both benefiting from this. This cardiovascular exercise is good for your body because it can help lower your blood pressure, but it also can help your mind by improving your working memory and focus, and your task-switching ability. Running is a great way to improve your mind-body connection as it can feel pleasurable while also bettering your body and overall health.
The mind-body connection is what you make it. Treating your body well will positively affect your mind, but if you choose to do the opposite, negative consequences can come with it. An example of this is stress. Stress isn't inherently your fault, but it is an issue within our society that affects almost everyone. Being stressed harms your mind as it can disrupt synapse regulation, which can lead to the avoidance of people. It's well known that stress negatively impacts your mind, but another issue that can come with it is physical. Being stressed for long periods causes your body to release adrenaline and cortisol which in the long term can lead to a weakened immune response as well as issues like digestive problems.
This message is not meant to distress you but instead is meant to inspire you to improve yourself. A lot of issues that affect your body also affect your mind which can be seen as a negative thing. Instead of focusing on how stress not only hurts your mind but also hurts your body, focus on how going for runs helps both of them. It's abundantly clear that the way we treat our body affects our mind and the way we treat our mind affects our body, which is why it's so important to have a great relationship with both. You and you alone can create a healthy thriving body and mind connection. I implore you to treat yourself well because if you do, you will keep improving not only your mind or body but both of them simultaneously.
Your “easy to talk to therapist”
Kimberly Castle RTC, CAMC
Kimberly Castle is a Registered Counsellor with a private practice in beautiful Kelowna, BC. She focuses on Kelowna Counselling Solutions to empower individuals in all areas of their life. In her practice she works with individuals on a variety of topics including trauma, self-esteem, Kelowna child counselling and is your source for Kelowna EMDR.
Blog contribution by Olson Russello undergraduate student at University of Washington
References
Menezes, Lakshmi, “What is the Mind-Body Connection?” Florida Medical Clinic, Aug 24, 2020. https://www.floridamedicalclinic.com/blog/what-is-the-mind-body-connection/
Hart, Patricia, “Mind-body connection.” Taking Charge of Your Wellbeing, https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/what-is-the-mind-body-connection#:~:text=Julie's%20 story%20is%20a%20great,negatively%20 affect%20our% 20 biological%20 functioning.
