The mind and body are inextricably linked and significantly impact one another. For example, people who find themselves in stressful situations that cause them to have negative thoughts can develop an illness or physical pain in the process. This also happens vice versa. People who are in pain physically find it difficult to navigate a stressful situation. However, when people nurture themselves physically and mentally, they can begin to maintain a healthy balance between their mind and body.
One of the most effective ways of restoring mental and physical balance is through meditation. When people meditate, they experience a state of restful awareness in which their body relaxes deeply while the mind remains alert. In this process, the mind learns to heal itself in the silence of awareness while suspending the usual way of thinking.
The increasing number of people becoming aware of the many benefits of meditation, such as a decrease in hypertension, improved heart conditions, better sleep, more positive moods, and lessened anxiety, has led to more scientific research on the activity. According to a study conducted by Massachusetts General Hospital, brain imaging data showed that regular meditation for as little as eight weeks could lessen the workload of the brain part responsible for stress and anxiety. In addition, the study showed that meditation could help people feel more relaxed and improve other brain functions such as empathy, memory, self-regulation, and sense of self.
Another tip for maintaining a balanced mind is through eating a healthy diet. Usually, people eat well to improve their heart conditions and avoid ailments like diabetes, high blood pressure, and cancer. However, a balanced meal could help balance the body and mind. In addition, adapting to the appropriate diets can help avoid mental health challenges such as depression, Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and stress.
A proper diet must include all six tastes (sweet, bitter, salty, sour, pungent, and astringent). Typically, American food and drinks like ketchup, low-fat yogurt, breakfast cereals, sports drink, and pasta contain excess sugar and salt, which are important but can also lower metabolism. However, constricting and bitter tastes usually found in food like mushrooms, ginger, radishes, tea, lentils, lettuce, and many more are anti-inflammatory and help increase metabolism.
Doing a little exercise every day is another activity that can balance the body and mind. Research has shown that engaging in exercise causes the body to release endorphins that significantly improve mood and reduce stress. Exercise also increases the brain’s learning and adaptability capacity and the ability to perform various cognitive tasks.
People can exercise without going to the gym or hiring a fitness coach. Instead, they can engage in aerobic activities like walking around their neighborhoods, running, cycling, jogging, swimming, or stair climbing. They can also do home chores like cooking, cleaning while listening to music or interesting podcasts, and gardening to get their hearts racing. In addition, exercise can alter self-perception regardless of age, gender, weight, or size, making one feel more attractive while boosting self-esteem and mental health at the same time.
