The Mind-Body Connection
The debate about the relationship between the mind and the body dates back to the 17th century when philosopher René Descartes contemplated the interconnectedness between these two entities. He spent significant time pondering the impact the mind has on the body and vice versa. To this day, psychologists and mental health experts are interested in exploring how an individual’s mental state affects the body, as well as how the physical health of the body impacts one's mental health.
So, why is the mind-body connection so important to understand? In an effort to sustain good mental health, there are endless tools a person can access in order to navigate difficult life situations and mental states. Much of the important work therapists do is to provide resources and tools their clients can access, for when they are not in session. Which is why, most therapists say that the work gets done outside of the therapy sessions.
I view the relationship of the mind-body connection as an integral tool in the mental health toolbox. This relationship is symbiotic and an individual can focus on either the mind or the body in order to leverage their overall wellbeing. An example of this connection is aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise has been found to improve one's mood as it increases blood-circulation to the brain, and therefore increases communication between the limbic system, the amygdala, and the hippocampus.
In regards to decreasing brain activity, there are many ways an individual can access the body in order to quiet the mind and alleviate feelings of stress. A study on Zen Tanden Breathing, found when participating in this slow breathing exercise, subjects were found to have an increased level of oxygenated hemoglobin in the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for fear responses, therefore decreasing reactive behavior to fear-based thinking.
The mind also has the power to influence the physiological state of the body. It has been found that a person who experiences long term stress is more susceptible to changes in high blood pressure and other bodily ailments. Our minds and bodies continuously communicate on a conscious and unconscious level. The physiological “feeling” of being excited and nervous are the exact same; racing heart, increased body temperature, butterflies in the stomach. However, it is the context in which a person is experiencing these feelings that decide whether or not they are feeling excited or nervous about something.
I believe it is important for people to be aware of the interconnectedness of mental wellbeing and physical health in an effort to improve overall health and happiness.
Lexi Lawrenz
Birch Psychology
Resources
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4761814/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6137615/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953617306639?via%3Dihub