Stress and The Mind-Body Connection

Life seems to get busier and busier. And how many times are we just adding to our list of “todo’s”? With more on our plate, many times we will feel more stressful too. And often exercise or movement is one of the first things we squeeze out of our schedule. The thing is, this when exercise becomes even more important to keep in our routine.

Exercise is not only for the body but for the mind too. Some scientist are now using the term “mind-body” to refer to the body as one unit. It’s because the mind and the body are so interconnected we should even think of them separately.

Below are just a few the “mental” benefits that we often forget about that comes from exercise:
It gets the blood and oxygen flowing to the pre-frontal cortex (part of your brain) that helps with creative problem solving. Every get stuck and can’t find a solution to your challenge? Get moving and you’ll be surprised how one or a few options will come to you.
One of the things we all seem to get stressed by is the contest change in our lives. Just when you think you have the pattern down to something, it seems to change. And when you do new movements with your body, it unlocks your mind to be more open and agile to the changes that come at us.
Keeps you burning calories when many people eat more during stressful times.
When you are in the middle of all your thoughts, it seems that you shouldn’t stop tackling those issues. Just keep plugging away is our normal pattern, isn’t it? However, when you do force yourself to go exercise and do something different, you’ll be surprised how you can accomplish your tasks that much quicker then if you stayed with it. You’ll see new angles for a quick solution.
Helps you sleep better. Often when we get stressed we can’t sleep at well as we keep the “mind-motor” running. Thinking of all the things we have to do or trying to figure them out. With less sleep, we won’t be able to function at peak performance. And exercise will make sure to help you fall asleep better so you know you can do a better job of all the tasks ahead of you.
And most importantly, exercise helps to regulate our mind-body system to run more efficiently. With stress and in activity our hormones aren’t helping us to do our best mentally. If you notice you can get down or think more negatively, you won’t be wrong. And with increased cortisol from stress, you’ll be hanging on to more weight (as the body goes into the flight or fight response) to save more energy for later.

After seeing just a few of the great benefits that you don’t always recognize from exercise, why wouldn’t you keep it in your schedule???? Remember, your body isn’t just a container for the brain, it’s all link together and your movement affects your thoughts and attitude.

Happy Training!