Mind-Body Connections

We are constantly learning new things about the connection between our mind and our physical body. This connection seems almost obvious to us in the twenty-first century. But it hasn't always been so clear. And even today we see a never-ending series of research reports that verify the relationship.

Among other things, we see reports like this:

If you keep your eyes open for these types of connections, you'll find them all over the place. Many of these "common sense" connections have been the focus of intense research over the last thirty years.

The best news is that these behaviors can be learned. Whether you naturally laugh a lot or you need to "teach" yourself to laugh more, you get the benefits associated with the behavior.

For some things, this makes obvious sense. After all, if you exercise, you expect the benefits of exercise, and if you take naps you expect the benefits of taking naps. But it is less obvious that some of these behaviors will bring the benefits listed above. Still, it's true.

Contentment, for example, is related to positive mental attitude, time pressures, and stress. When you're mentally or physically stressed, all your emotions conspire to bring down your positive energy. And that depletes your physical energy, which means you're less likely to spring into an exercise routine or other activities that can bring you back "up."

Research has shown, for many of these behaviors, that you can actually force the positive benefits upon yourself. If you don't naturally laugh a lot, for example, you can adjust your television exposure to include more stupid sit-coms and less news. This will improve your attitude -- whether you like it or not!

Some things are harder to work on than others. Overcoming procrastination, for example, is partly a behavior you can change and partly tied in with other issues. For most people, procrastination is related to time pressures, which means stress. It often means that there are too many things on your "to do" list, and you know you won't get them all done.

That situation leads to less exercise, no naps, no vacations, no hobbies, etc. (you don't have the time). It doesn't take much energy to see that these are all related. In a balanced life you have work and play, time on and time off, exercise, hobbies, writing, prayers -- and the occasional nap.

In other words, balance can bring you all the health benefits listed above.

But how do you get started?

That's up to you. First, make the commitment that that's what you want.

Second, pick a place to start and then begin. Start with laughter or meditation or exercise. Or start with a hobby and writing and a nap. It doesn't matter. This is a whole new you and you have the rest of your life to make improvements.

Third, design a plan to add each of these elements to your life. Little by little everything will get better. And that will make each step a little easier.

Improve everything in your life! What a great goal. Let's get started today!