Me, Myself & My Best-Self
Welcome to "Me, Myself, and My Best Self," the podcast that turns personal growth into a playful adventure!
Join me as I unpack the secrets to positive living, goal-crushing, and the art of thriving. Dive into the "Me" moments, share laughs during "Myself" anecdotes, and gear up for the pursuit of "My Best Self."
This is your go-to guide for quick tips, inspiring stories, and a good dose of self-discovery.
Me, Myself & My Best-Self
Mind, Body & Emotions: Journey to Wellbeing and Balance
Have you ever wondered how your mind, body, and emotions are interconnected and how they shape your well-being? Join me, Claire Bennett, as I share my journey through the landscape of rational thinking, gut instincts, and heart-centred living in our latest episode, "Exploring Mind-Body Connection for Wellbeing." Through personal anecdotes and insights, we unpack the vital role each plays in our daily decisions and emotional experiences. I'll also explore common cognitive distortions like polarized thinking, catastrophizing, personalization, and filtering, offering practical strategies to overcome these patterns. Together, we’ll navigate the complex territory of anxiety and discover grounding techniques that can help restore balance and peace.
In "Achieving Mind-Body Balance for Wellbeing," we emphasize the transformative power of harmonizing the head, gut, and heart. By honouring this connection, we open the door to a fuller, more vibrant existence. I'll discuss how embracing the wisdom of both our minds and bodies can drastically improve our mental and physical health. If the insights resonate with you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your friends. For more daily inspiration, follow me on Instagram @clairefullliving. Let's embark on this journey to well-being together and make every day a step towards our best selves.
Link to biofeedback lecture: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iup0msVJeAI&t=124s
Welcome to Me, myself and my Best Self, the podcast where we navigate the labyrinth of personal growth with a relaxed and realistic approach. I'm Claire Bennett, your host, and today we're diving into the fascinating world of the mind-body connection. How does our body impact our mind and how does our mind influence our body? And what does it mean to think with the head, listen to the gut and lead from the heart? Let's explore these concepts and discover how they can transform our lives. The mind and body are not separate entities. They are deeply interconnected. This connection is evident in our everyday experiences. When we feel stressed, our body often reacts with symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or stomach issues. Conversely, when we engage in physical activities like exercise, our mind benefits with improved mood and clarity. Let's break down the concept of think with the head, listen to the gut and lead from the heart. Think with the head, listen to the gut and lead from the heart.
Speaker 1:Thinking with the head. Our brains are incredible organs that process information, make decisions and solve problems. Rational thinking and logic are essential, especially when we're faced with complex situations that require careful consideration. However, relying solely on our intellect can sometimes lead to overthinking and stress. It's important to balance our rational thoughts with insights from other parts of our being. Listening to the gut have you ever had that gut feeling about something? This sensation is more than just a metaphor. The gut, often referred to as the second brain, contains a network of neurons that communicate with our brain. This gut-brain axis influences our emotions and decisions. Paying attention to our gut feelings can guide us in ways that pure logic cannot, tapping into our intuition and instinct. It's often said that our gut can tap into our unconscious mind, something that the brain struggles with.
Speaker 1:Leading from the heart. The heart symbolises our emotional centre. Leading from the heart means acting with compassion, empathy and love. When we make decisions based on our values and emotions, we connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Heart-centred living encourages us to prioritise relationships, kindness and authenticity. The mind-body connection plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing. For instance, chronic stress can lead to physical ailments such as high blood pressure, weakened immune function and digestive issues. Conversely, engaging activities that promote physical health, like regular exercise, balanced nutrition and adequate sleep, can significantly enhance our mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. But what does this all mean in reality, and where do you start? These questions have complex answers. And where do you start. These questions have complex answers.
Speaker 1:Recently I've been feeling well. I've been having feelings of anxiousness. They just come from nowhere, and when I feel anxious, I immediately begin to analyse the possible causes. I often start with the mind pondering what could be triggering this anxiety. Then I realised that the cause could also be physical. This anxious feeling might stem from poor sleep quality, too much caffeine or an unhealthy diet. All these factors can trigger a stress response in our body, sending a signal to our brains that something is off. Alternatively, it could be that I'm not listening to my heart, perhaps I'm not being compassionate with myself or others, or something is out of alignment with my values. So when I'm feeling off, I look at the trifecta what does my head say, what is my gut saying and what does my heart say? So when feeling anxious, relying solely on your thoughts can lead to I can never say this word remuneration, especially if there's no clear cause for the anxiety. Sometimes we exaggerate a situation to match our feelings, and an anxious mind can make you believe false things about yourself, your circumstances and your future. And anxiety can distort reality, making things worse.
Speaker 1:When something feels off and catches our attention through our thoughts, we need to address it holistically. I start with the body or the gut, and use grounding techniques to stabilise myself. A great way to ground yourself is to first release excess energy. Perform jumping jacks vigorously, shake your body, arms and legs, or climb the stairs for a few minutes. After expending that extra energy, find a comfortable place to sit, let gravity pull your weight down and feel fully supported by the surface you're on. Relax your arms and legs, release tension in your forehead, loosen your jaw. Drop your tongue from the roof of your mouth. Focus solely on your breath, inhaling and exhaling until you feel settled and still, once grounded, begin to observe your thoughts as an outsider, watching them flow through your mind like a film reel. Allow them to come and go without focusing too intently on any one thought. Spend some time getting comfortable in this space before you move on. Be patient. It might take a little time. Having distanced yourself from engaging with every thought, you're ready to address and work through any distorted thoughts contributing to your anxiety.
Speaker 1:Writing your thoughts on paper can help you externalise and clarify them. Our brains often distort information through cognitive distortions. Common distortions include polarised thinking, catastrophising personalisation and filtering. Polarised thinking suggests there are only two outcomes right or wrong, good or bad. This all-or-nothing mindset isn't helpful for many life situations. If you're locked in a polarised thinking, try to find the middle ground, the grey area between the black and the white.
Speaker 1:Catastrophising meaning jump into the worst case scenario, which fuels anxiety and panic. Instead of stopping this entirely, acknowledge when you're doing it. Bring yourself back to the present and focus on the facts. Remember you can't control everything, and worrying about uncontrollable factors isn't productive. Personalisation involves taking everything personally, assuming others' negative attitudes or actions are because of something you did or said. Challenge these thoughts by avoiding assumptions and recognising that others' behaviours often have nothing to do with you. And filtering happens when you ignore positive events or information and focus solely on the negative. Combine this with catastrophizing. This mindset limits your perspective. Review all the facts, not just the negative ones.
Speaker 1:Challenging distorted thinking is difficult, but allows you to move forward and more productively. Finally, reflect on your analysis of your thought pattern to form opinions or make decisions with clarity. Approach this process from the heart, with compassion for yourself and others, ensuring your choices stem from a place of love. Separate yourself from anxiety. Recognize your inherent worth and practice some self-acceptance. Now turn your attention to self-care and ask yourself what do I need right now?
Speaker 1:Integrating these three elements thinking with the head, listening to the gut and leading from the heart can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life. By harnessing our cognitive abilities, while also tapping into our emotions and values, we make decisions that align with our well-being and happiness. When faced with tough decisions or feeling overwhelmed, remembering to heed our gut and lead with our heart can yield surprising positive outcomes. Moreover, combining these three elements can enhance things like decision-making skills, allowing us to navigate challenges more effectively. By employing both logic and intuition, we make well-informed decisions that consider our emotions, values and goals. This holistic approach not only leads to traditional success, but also brings fulfillment and purpose to our lives. Additionally, integrating these three elements fosters improved self-awareness. By listening to our gut and making decisions aligned with our values, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and what truly matters to us. This self-awareness enables us to make choices that reflect our authentic selves, leading to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Speaker 1:One key aspect of mind-body connection is we need self-care. This means taking care of ourselves holistically, that's, physically, emotionally, mentally, socially and spiritually. Self-care isn't just about bubble baths and face masks. It's about constantly tuning into our needs and responding appropriately. This could mean setting boundaries with others, practicing mindfulness or relaxation techniques, seeking therapy or counselling when needed, or simply taking a break from work or social media.
Speaker 1:Taking care of our mind and body should not be seen as a luxury, but rather a necessity. By listening to our bodies and practising self-care, we can improve our mental and physical health. Let's remember to prioritise ourselves and our needs in order to live a fulfilling life. So, instead of constantly pushing ourselves to the limit or ignoring our needs, let's make it a habit to check in with ourselves and take care of our mind-body connection on a regular basis. Our bodies are truly amazing vessels. They deserve love, respect and proper care. Let's give them the attention they deserve so that we can continue to thrive and live our best lives.
Speaker 1:Remember, self-care is not selfish. It's necessary for a healthy and balanced life To fully live through our body and mind. We need to adopt practices that nurture both, and here are a few suggestions. I've mentioned this many times, but mindfulness, meditation Engage in mindfulness by focusing on the present moment without judgment. This practice reduces stress, enhances concentration and promotes emotional regulation. A calm mind can ease physical tension. Regular physical activity exercise releases endorphins natural mood enhancers. Activities like yoga, tai chi and walking not only strengthen the body, but also foster mental clarity and emotional stability.
Speaker 1:Balanced nutrition our diet profoundly impacts our well-being. Consuming whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and healthy fats support our physical, health and cognitive function. Nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. Stay hydrated. Our bodies are about 60 percent water, making hydration critical for cell tissue and organ function. Dehydration can cause headaches, fatigue and other issues. Stay hydrated through the day to maintain physical and mental health. Deep breathing Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us relax. This simple practice can reduce anxiety and stress, benefiting both mind and body.
Speaker 1:Prioritise sleep Quality sleep is vital for health and vitality. Sleep deprivation disrupts body and brain function, weakens the immune system and can cause anxiety and depression. Ensure you get restful sleep regularly. Connect with nature. Spending time outdoors enhances mood, reduces stress and promotes overall well-being. Nature has a grounding effect, helping us feel centred and balanced.
Speaker 1:Take active breaks. Regular breaks from work help reconnect with our body and focus on the present. Move around at least once an hour and stretch to release tension. These breaks allow the brain to reset and improve problem solving. Release toxic emotions. Unprocessed emotions like hurt, disappointment or anger can be toxic. Reflect on the past experiences that no longer serve you and let them go. If necessary, seek a therapist to help you manage these emotions.
Speaker 1:Embrace the moment, appreciate the beauty in small moments and invoke positive emotions like happiness, joy, love and gratitude. Regularly review your activities to create more space for spontaneity and fun. Laughter is scientifically proven to reduce stress hormones and boost the immune system. It stimulates the heart, lungs and muscles and elevates mood. Watch something funny and enjoy a good laugh. Gratitude is the ultimate mind-body practice. It reduces sadness, boosts happiness and triggers healing in the body and mind. Giving thanks connects you to something larger and increases life satisfaction less materialism and more spiritual connection. Journaling helps with everyday worries by transferring them from the mind to paper, reducing stress and promoting mindful problem solving. Keeping a gratitude journal also boosts overall well-being, improves mood and increases joy and confidence.
Speaker 1:Limit your screen time. Mobile phones, social media and TV are major distractors. Disconnecting helps you feel more present and engaged. Start with 20 to 30 minutes daily and gradually extend to an entire afternoon or even a weekend. Unplug at least an hour before bedtime for better sleep. Good social support positively impacts physical and mental well-being, so cultivate those loving relationships, friends and loved ones prevent loneliness, offer advice and help manage problems. Time with them can also be a great distraction from worries.
Speaker 1:Be mindful of your posture. Body posture influences our mood. Stand tall, with your shoulders back and head up, to boost confidence. Pay attention to facial expressions, as a smile can actually make you feel happier. Be grateful for your senses. We often overlook our senses, like smell, taste and touch. Engage them to reconnect with your body. Keep essential oils or soft fabrics nearby. Eat lunch mindfully and consider getting a massage to release tension and reduce stress. Listening to music is a fun way to reconnect with your body's sensation. Moving to the beat or singing can release bad emotions and boost your mood, confidence and motivation. Commit to a creative hobby. Creative activities like painting, sculpting, playing instruments and cooking can induce a meditative state, reducing stress and anxiety. Trying new things keeps your brain active and boots and boosts self-esteem.
Speaker 1:And for you geeks out there, there is something called biofeedback, a pioneering technique building body intelligence. This the use of scientific and psychological monitoring of the body to effectuate awareness of body states with electrodes, emg or electromyography enables people to make changes to the state of their body. The evidence supported by feedback has been strong. It can reduce certain disorders such as high blood pressure, migraines, headaches, asthma, recurrent abdominal pain, pelvic pain and sleep disorders. One of the most significant perks of biofeedback is the self-direction that it elicits. If you want to learn more about biofeedback and its benefits, I'll share a lecture link in the comments below. I'll share a lecture link in the comments below.
Speaker 1:By thinking with your heads, listening to your gut and leading with our hearts, we can create a harmonious balance between our minds and bodies. This balance is essential for achieving optimum health and well-being. When we honour the connection between mind and body, we open ourselves up to a fuller, more vibrant life. So thank you for joining me today's episode of Me, myself and my Best Self. I hope you found these insights into the mind-body connection enlightening and inspiring. Remember to take care of both your mind and your body and embrace the wisdom they offer. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review and share with your friends. You can also follow me on Instagram at Claire4Living. Till next time, stay well and live fully.