HAPPY MIND, HAPPY BODY
The mind - body connection
I only really clocked how connected my mind and body is once I became pregnant. I don’t think that I’ve ever really focused completely on my mindset and body at the same time. Sure, I’d had periods of intense scrutiny of my body, I’d also done the same with my mind whenever I knew that it was mind of matter. I don’t think that I had ever really taken a good look at them both at the same time, although I would have told you differently.
I mean, I noticed that when I went on holiday after a stressful time at work that I got sick, but I didn’t spend too much time thinking about it. My body was just something that I had an epic struggle with to assert dominance (I would fit into that size 6 dress!!) my mind, well that was a wrestle to banish the negative thoughts but never really look under the hood.
Pregnancy started to change that. I was finally developing a respectful relationship and building trust. It was amazing. My health was incredible, I felt incredible, my outlook was perfectly rose tinted. Then things changed. I had my babies an the trust started to crumble. Not only did I not fully trust my body, I stopped listening to it, stop respecting it and felt betrayed, by my own body. I refused to really look at it. I stopped nourishing it properly and moving it consciously. My mindset I let go. The mind set that I’d carefully cultivated, I let over-run and spent no time to maintain it. That’s when I started catching cold after cold. I felt low and anxious but couldn’t really put my finger on why and I felt that I was more victim than in the driver’s seat.
I’m not alone in this. Most of us are disconnected from ourselves, it’s not just becoming a parent that can do this but any change in situation or lifestyle. Covid has most certainly shown us this. I was lucky. I had my health coaching and mindfulness practices to come back to. I’ve also been incredibly lucky to find an amazing group of like minded people that consistently ‘fill’ me up with inspiring conversations, moral support and just being the tribe that I need.
What can you do though if you notice that the wheels are coming off and you feel disconnected?
Meditation - Yep, this is my number one go-to. I can’t even count how many times I’ve had to force myself into my practice or felt all the excuses bubble up. Each and every time that I do sit in stillness it works. It moves me out of the stress response, brings me back to my body and just gives me space.
Write it out - I journal. The act of writing will often be enough to flip the switch and then it gives me the ability to ask what’s going on.
Nature - Even a 5 minute seat in the sun can work wonders. Feeling the fresh air on my skin, breathing it in.
Breathe - I use my breath to work out what my body needs. Deep, centred breathing resets my mind and again, gives me a chance to check in with my body to see what it needs.
Pull in the experts - I have go to experts that I rely on when things are off kilter. I don’t know it all and sometimes I need outside help to work out what’s going on
Identify the thing that you are avoiding and do it (within reason!) my big thing is running, I know that it is one of the best things that I can do for myself but I find all the excuses, blocks and oh, the triggers! That’s why I’ve recently committed to running every day of my Artist’s Way challenge.
Ultimately, it is about learning to see, feel, listen and connect with you body and your mind.