The mind body connection…what is it and why is so important to aging?
I am a certified Pilates and Yoga instructor. I am always coaching the mind/body connection in my teachings. I have noticed more and more clients are not connected to their bodies. While this may not seem important when your in your 20’s it most certainly becomes imperative as we age.
When our bodies start to age our cognitive brain function is also on the decline. What we start to hear is “It’s brain fog or it’s a sign of aging” There are effective ways to train the mind/body to work with you, not against you.
When you are connected to your body, you can actually enhance or effect your body through neuromuscular conditioning.
The Feldenkrais method teaches “Think before you move”
The Pilates Method teaches “Mind Body awareness through certain principles like Breathe, Alignment & Core”
Yoga philosophy teaches “Turn inward and stay present in your body”
If you think about it, these teachings have been around for many years. Long before any other fitness trend. Now I’ve been teaching for 3 decades, I have seen the trends come and go. What I have noticed though, is how some women age well and some are consistently injured. I am also observing and studying the aging process. The physical and psychological changes in women. I read loads of books, take courses and complete numerous certifications all related to injury prevention, and ageless living.
What I have to share is now, is basic and simple.
Connect to your body through your mind. You will start to notice many benefits such as:
- reduce injury
- reduce inflammation
- reduce pain threshold
- Awareness of movement patterns and how they affect you and your body.
- Cognitive Brain functions stay sharp
Now I know this sounds like some woo woo, but I know firsthand how incredibly powerful this really is.
Let me give you a few ideas that you can implement right now today to help you start living a more energetic and injury free, ageless life as you connect to your mind/body.
Step 1 start with a morning ritual like gratitude. When you open your eyes, just lay there for a moment, realize you are ALIVE! How lucky are you? You got a gift of a new day. That isn’t promised to everyone. You can continue to count some more of your blessings or you can move to step 2
Step 2 as you lay in your bed, notice what you feel in your body? Scan your body. Do you feel good, ready to get up and start your day? Do you feel any pains or aches? Our bodies speak to us. It is our job to listen. Example: Let’s say your knee is bothering you. You have no diagnosed issue with it, but lately it is giving you some signals. Do you immediately think, its just part of the aging process. Decide to pay close attention to it. That means you might shed a few pounds, you might ice or heat the area for a few days. Sit with the ache, really listen to what makes it feel better. Notice the change in pain levels with activities you are doing.
Step 3 start to notice what is going on in your life at this time. Are you under stress? Are you experiencing burnout, disappointment, anger? These are directly related to the stresses in our lives and how it shows up in our bodies. Do you have enough fun? Do you know what leisure time is? Start to add some fun to your life or things that YOU find enjoyable. Note the physical changes in your body when you add fun or leisure time.
I hope this blog post was interesting to you. Your body needs constant attention from you, I hope you start to listen. When you are paying attention to your body, the sensations, the pain, even the good feelings, you will recognize that are using your intuitive mind to help heal you or support you.
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If I can be of service to you in anyway, please reach out to me.
Live Vibrantly xo
Maria Lorenzo