Yes, it’s true that the mind and body are often very different in their health – there’s a reason you don’t go to a doctor to talk about your break-up or step into your shrink’s office for a physical – but there are plenty of things that impact your mind and body at the same time.
Here are a few tips to help you understand how these two work in unison and how you can improve both mind and body at the same time.
#1. Exercise.
The physical benefits of exercise are obvious: it helps you lose weight, build muscle, and strengthen your immune system. But did you know that it has a lot of benefits for your mind, too?
Exercise can do a lot for our minds. It can improve sleep, make you feel more energized, and improve your mood.
This is because it changes the level of chemicals that are coursing through your body. The endorphins keep you happy and alert, and can even be used to combat depression, and your muscles learn to adjust to physical activity by burning fat and reshaping your metabolism.
#2. Take a nap.
We’re all told that sleep is important, but it’s still one of the most underrated health tips out there.
Sleeping well has been shown to be related to everything from better test scores to a decrease in heart problems. It can also boost your attention, decrease stress, and help you lose weight.
Some studies through Harvard and Boston University found that it also improves creativity, so if you’re in a creative rut, consider improving your sleeping habits.
#3. Get outside.
Remember when your parents used to say, “Get outside, it’s good for you?” Well, the science is in, and it turns out that they’re right.
Going outside, like sleeping, can improve your ability to focus and help you decrease stress. It can increase brain function, and if you’re someone who’s particularly hyperactive, there are even greater benefits to finding ways to do certain activities outdoors.
Walking in the woods has even more benefits, including a decrease respiratory problems, anxiety, and viruses.
#4. Meditate or pray.
Regardless of whether or not you believe in the power of prayer, there is definitely evidence to support the fact that it does a world of good for body and mind alike.
Studies of people who meditate or pray regularly found that it can be so impactful that it actually changes the structures of our brains.
It decreases stress, improves your metabolism, reduces the effects of aging, and helps you process your emotions in a healthy way.
The effects of meditation and prayer have even been shown to directly impact one’s ability to be happy and at peace.
All of these methods involve simple strategies to incorporate into a weekly routine, and the effects can be life-changing for both your body and your mind.
Featured Image: Bigstock
Reflect & Refresh 