Make the "mind-body" connection
| Mind-body methods are not mysterious, complicated, or just for the weird. Mind-body simply means that your mind and body are working together, focusing on the same thing at the same time. It's about self-awareness: paying attention at every moment, and putting your whole self into everything you do. | 
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Studies have proven that this kind of focus is invaluable to the performance of athletes and that it can be a useful tool for stress management. No matter how busy your schedule is, these ten tips can help you bring more awareness, enjoyment and meaning to the everyday things you may take for granted in life.
Top Ten Mind-Body Health Tips
1. Start the day with an affirmation - your favorite positive thought or prayer. Don't let yourself get out of bed until you've done it. Some examples: "I am a strong, healthy, loving person and today's going to be a wonderful day," "God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." End you day with an affirmation before you go to sleep.
2. When you brush your teeth, focus on the process. Pay attention to the brush strokes, the taste, the foaminess in your mouth. Be thankful that you are able to brush your teeth, and enjoy the sensuality of it. In doing this, you are beginning the habit of staying in the present moment rather than thinking of ten things at once. Maintain the same awareness when you're walking your dog, doing the dishes, making the bed, watering your plants.
3. At least once during the day while you're eating, eat very slowly and savor each bite. Pay complete attention to the taste and feel of your food. Enjoy it to the fullest. This is especially helpful if you tend to eat impulsively or have difficulty making healthy food choices. The more awareness you bring to your eating, the easier it will be to make nourishing choices.
4. While you are walking during the day, count your breaths with each step. Be aware of how quickly or slowly you are breathing. Practice breathing deeply from your diaphragm. When you encounter stressful situations, notice your breathing. Take slower, deeper breaths to feel more calm. When you encounter stressful situations, notice your breathing. Take slower, deeper breaths to feel more calm.
5. When you find yourself listening to someone during your day, concentrate very hard on what they are saying. Instead of thinking about how you will respond to them, focus all your attention on listening well. Ask questions and indicate that you are very interested in what they have to say. They will appreciate the attention and your relationships will benefit. You will also develop valuable listening and focus skills.
6. When you pass mirrors or reflective surfaces, notice how you stand and move. Do you carry yourself with pride? Is your posture good? Pay attention to these things, and not to your perceived physical flaws or whether you look "thin" or "young." Practice seeing your whole self, with all your unique qualities and abilities.
7. While driving, doing housework
or other activities, notice how your body feels. Are some of you muscles
tense or tight? Are you aware of any pain, discomfort or fatigue?
Keep in touch with your body by doing these mini check-ups - and pay
attention to the signals your body gives you. Relax unnecessary tensions
by imagining that you can breathe into those places that are uncomfortable.
Inhale deeply and as you exhale, imagine that you are releasing the tension
(in your shoulders, in your stomach, etc.) and "breathe it
out."
8. At some point during your day, take
time out for stillness. Rest is one of our most important needs and yet we
often ignore it completely. Find at least five minutes (20 is better) to
allow your body to be absolutely still. You can use this time to meditate,
pray or to practice visualization. For example, you can imagine that you
are at one of your favorite vacation spots, doing your favorite activity.
If you need to, make appointments in your daytimer or on your refrigerator
calendar for these brief getaways!
9. Plan some time into most of your days to let your body enjoy activity - whatever activity is most appealing to you. Walk, run, dance, go horseback riding or cross-country skiing, play tennis or ride a bike. While you are moving, try not to think about what you're going to have for dinner, or what you best friend told you on the phone. Instead, just think about how your body feels as it moves. Focus on your breathing, your heart beating, your limbs moving, your muscles working. Feel the energy, excitement, challenge, playfulness, exhilaration, satisfaction and joy. Put all your attention into your activity.
10. Remind yourself to experience the night sky as often as you can. Go out into your backyard and gaze at the stars, open your window and peer at the moon. Make yourself take the time to enjoy life's natural rhythms and mysteries. Breathe fresh air and savor it. Walk barefoot on the ground, feeling the grass and earth beneath your feet. Listen for the sounds of water flowing, wind rustling, birds chirping. Staying close to nature can help you view life's stresses with calmness and wisdom.
Having to meet needs of your family, your career, your friends and your interests can be challenging. Connecting your mind and body can help you, not only get things done, but also enjoy life more.
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A courtesy of the Wellness Institute of Marquette General Hospital. If you would like more information on wellness- related issues or would like to be on our mailing list, please call us at 225-4800 or 1-800-562-9753, Ext. 4800. Margaret Swetish Twichell, Editor & Stacey Brooks, Community Relations, Layout & Design. Printed by MGH Print Shop.
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