Guest blog post written by Helen Sherwood of Helen Sherwood Wellbeing
Understanding the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection is vitally important when we are trying to take care of our general wellbeing. Our mind deals with thoughts, feelings and beliefs and what goes on in our mind can affect how our body feels. How we treat our body, such as our eating habits, exercise, and sleep, can impact our mental and spiritual states. And our spirit is like our inner essence, linked to our consciousness. Taking care of our health means building a strong mind-body-spirit connection and to do that, means nurturing all three parts.
Understanding that these three things are connected, enables us to look at our health in a complete or holistic way, deepening our understanding of ourselves and our needs. Instead of concentrating on just one aspect, we are able to consider how our mind and spirit can affect our body and vice versa. For example, I know that when I take the dog out for a walk in the woods or by the sea, I’m doing for his health and happiness of course, but mine too. And I’m doing it as much as for my body as my mind.
I also know that from time to time, I get a soreness in my neck, and it almost always coincides with when I’m stressed or when I have things on my mind. I also know that when I am feeling relaxed and at ease, its much easier for me to be compassionate, understanding and more grateful.
The Science and Research
The connection between the body and mind is biological. We all have proteins in our brains called neuropeptides. The National Library of Medicine (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) explains that ‘neuropeptides are involved in the regulation of many physiological functions in the body including acting as neurotransmitters that allow for reciprocal communication between the brain and the body’. So, in short, these neuropeptides are considered to be the biology of emotions and you may know them as serotonin, dopamine, endorphins etc.
Bruce H. Lipton, PhD, stem cell biologist, author of The Biology of Belief and recipient of the 2009 Goi Peace Award says this about the Mind-Body-Spirit connection:
‘Our minds are responsible for taking everything that we perceive in the external world and creating our own unique interpretation of it. This is the mind’s attempt to establish coherence between our internal beliefs and our external reality. Our bodies then respond to these perceptions by releasing chemicals that affect our physical health and well-being… for better or for worse. Should our beliefs about the world and about ourselves be negative, the result is inevitably distress, disharmony, and disease in our bodies’.
When our mind is at peace, our body functions optimally, and our spirit feels uplifted. As a result, we experience a sense of wholeness and contentment. Conversely, neglecting any one of these aspects can lead to imbalances that manifest as physical, mental, or emotional issues.
How can we take care of our mind, body and spirit?
To take care of the body, we try to eat healthily, exercise, get sufficient sunlight etc. To take care of our mind and spirit, we find ways to relax and minimise our feelings of stress. For some this is meditation, yoga, dancing, sound therapy for example.
Many people choose massage as a way to look after their mind, body and spirit. One crucial reason is the relief of muscle tension. Over time, things like stress and poor posture can cause our muscles to become tight and knotted. Massage therapy softens and lengthens the muscles, alleviating pain, restoring flexibility and deepening the range of motion. Massage therapy is also proven to improve blood circulation. Good blood flow is essential for nutrients and oxygen to be delivered around the body, including to the brain, whilst also removing waste products like toxins.
When the body is free from muscular tightness, the mind is calmed, and many people experience a feeling of ‘inner peace’ as well as improved emotional resilience. When mindful breathing is also incorporated to help you immerse yourself in being present, your spiritual wellbeing is nurtured too.
However you choose to take care of your mind, body and spirit, when you do so consistently, you are promoting a state of balance and wellbeing, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and enriched life.
I’m Helen Sherwood, Professional Massage Therapist and Founder of Helen Sherwood Wellbeing. My therapy room is for women only and I encourage you to slow down and pause. To book an appointment with me visit www.helensherwoodwellbeing.co.uk or contact me at helensherwoodwellbeing@gmail.com
