The Mind-Body Connection

The Mind-Body Connection

The mind and body are often thought of as being two separate entities. We have the medical profession, studying the body, and psychologists, studying the mind.

This would imply that there is little connection between mind and body since two sciences exist to explain them.

But this separation is not true.

We Are Integrated

We are fully integrated beings, made of two parts: mind and body. The mind obviously affects the body because every action you take, and every word you say is guided by the mind. But the opposite is also true; the body affects the mind.

Healthy Mind Healthy Body

The founders of Western science were the ancient Greeks, who coined the term, "a healthy mind and a healthy body," which recognises the unbreakable link between the physical and mental aspects of being.

If you want to change how you feel, change how you act.

Just as our feelings affect our actions, so too our actions affect our feelings.

If you don't feel confident, but want to, you can begin to feel more confident by taking on the actions of a confident person.

If you don't feel happy, but you want to, you can begin to feel happier by taking on the actions of a happy person. Smile, sing, whistle, walk faster, and talk to people about their day.

By doing these things, your nervous system will send a message to your mind, and your mind will respond accordingly.

Cognitive Dissonance

At first, doing this will feel strange because your mind is unhappy, but your body is taking on the actions of happiness, and there will be a struggle within you, where one side will win out over the other.

Your Will decides which side wins.

If your Will aligns itself on the side of unhappiness, then the whole exercise seems pointless, fraudulent, and you will stop whistling, singing, smiling, talking to people and you continue to feel unhappy.

But if your Will drops on the happiness side, and you continue to take the actions associated with a happy person, then your mind will begin to genuinely feel more happy, and the unhappy portion of your mind will give up the fight and join in the fun.

Mind and Body are One Integrated System

If you understand this principle and apply it, then you have another tool at your disposal to change how you feel at a moment's notice.

Try It with Confidence First

In times of self-doubt, try assuming the role of a relaxed, confident person. Give yourself confident posture, look into people's eyes, put a smile on your face. Ask people their opinions about things, stand with open gestures, and try to radiate the image of a confident person, even if you don't feel it on the inside.
Do this for 20 minutes, and you will find that your confident body posture will start to change your emotional state to one that reflects your body language.

Definition: mind-body connection

In personal development, the mind-body connection is the idea that thoughts and feelings shape the body and, in turn, posture and movement shape the mind. It treats mind and body as one linked whole and shows that by changing simple actions you can quickly lift mood and performance.

Article Summary

Mind and body form one system; when you act with purpose-lift your head, smile, walk briskly-nerves tell the brain to copy the mood, so you can shift from doubt to calm confidence in minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Did You Know: Key Statistics

About the Author: Chris Farmer

Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.

Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.

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