Healthy Body Healthy Mind: Examining the Mind-Body Connection

Like the body needs exercise, a healthy diet, and sleep, one’s mental health also requires constant care and attention. What many people don’t realize is that the two often have an effect on one another. A phrase like “healthy body, healthy mind” can refer to the mind-body connection, or the recognition that the body and mind operate as a connected and integrated force, according to the National Library of Medicine. Most experts can agree on the fact that mental health and physical health are very strongly related.

People often prioritize physical health. In 2020, about 50% of adults 18 and older met the CDC’s physical activity guidelines for aerobic activity. On the contrary, mental health care is often neglected. Unfortunately, according to Mental Health America, in 2022, 56% of adults with a mental illness did not receive any mental health treatment. This is generally due to all the hoops one must jump through to even get started with care. 

In today’s modern world, many people have grown accustomed to sedentary lifestyles which can often expedite a disconnect in one’s mental and physical health. “Mental health and physical health are inextricably linked.” says David Lipsius, Uwill’s Director of Wellness “The condition of the mind will affect the body and vice versa. It is important to care for both in equal measure so that the entire system is nourished and able to thrive.”

Sedentary Lifestyle
Now more than ever, the daily tasks and operations of students and members of the workforce alike demand an unusually sedentary way of life. Television viewing, video conferencing, and cell phone usage are positively correlated with an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, which is considered at least six inactive hours a day. Whether that is sitting down or looking down at a computer screen for hours on end or some combination of both, this doesn’t come without consequence. Prevalence of disease and physical ailments like back pain can stem from inactivity. Too many people are missing out on the health benefits of physical activity such as improved sleep, reduced blood pressure and anxiety, lowered risk for heart disease, several cancers, and dementia.. Ultimately, physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.

Mind-Body Connection
The mind-body connection refers to the complex relationship between a person’s thoughts, emotions, and physical health. This connection suggests that mental states can affect physical well-being and vice versa. Scientific discovery has proven that thoughts, feelings, and emotions can alter biological systems in the body.

“In Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, there is a saying that mirrors this idea…’Where the mind goes, energy flows.” says Lipsius “It’s worth considering that the true key to health and wellness is not only a physically vibrant body, but an open, curious, and compassionate mind.”

The chain reaction of one’s psyche on the physical body can be overwhelming. For example, negative thoughts can lead to poor eating and sleeping habits which can then lead to a lack of physical exercise. The same can be also said for the reverse. Injuries and physical pain or discomfort can lead to negative thoughts and feelings that can neglect prioritizing one’s mental health.

Practices to Connect Mind and Body
Ultimately, due to the sedentary nature and unintended consequences of chronic technology use, many people these days would benefit from a re-connection of the mind and body. Fortunately, there are many practices and techniques individuals can utilize to reap the benefits of feeling connected to their minds and bodies.

1. Mindfulness meditation
Observing your thoughts and feelings in a calm and non-judgmental way

2. Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Martial Arts
Connecting your mind with your body, grounding you in the present moment, and re-establishing your relationship with yourself

3. Physical exercise
Strengthening and refining the systems of your body and releasing “happy” hormones

4. Breath work
Improving concentration, connection and mood regulation

5. Visualization practices
Creating new neural pathways that lead to a happier, healthier you

How Uwill Can Help
Urise is Uwill’s wellness component that hosts curated on-demand wellness content designed to complement therapy. This programming includes accessible and easily digestible yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and nutrition videos: all great tools to connect the mind and body. 

“All human beings experience difficult life circumstances at one time or another. It’s good to get help when you need it.” says Lipsius “With Urise, each video is custom made to offer you tips and practices to help you navigate life and thrive in a constantly changing world.”

Urise offers 24/7/365 on demand access to wellness guidance from responsible, evidence based, trauma informed, certified wellness instructors to complement the mind-body connection.

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