Last week we learned a little bit about depression. We understood what it is, where it comes from and some tips on how to get out of it and keep it away. If you haven’t read that article, I encourage you to take a look: The Truth About Depression (And How To Move Away From It)
I hinted at how moving your body can affect depression in a positive way, but there is more to that. In order to understand why that is, we first have to understand how the body and the mind are linked. This link is what people call the ‘Body-Mind Connection’ and how your energy works.
“How Do You Even Have The Energy?”
One thing we are not completely clear about is how people muster the energy to do the things that they do. I am not referring to those who have the energy to argue online or in person. But those who actually do something. Those who take life by the balls and turn everything around with a level of energy able to power an entire city for a year.
Do we get the energy from food? If we do, here is a scenario: around Holidays, we usually do what everybody does. We sit around the table, surrounded by family, friends and of course, food. Lots of it… How do you feel after having a huge serving or two of your favourite meal? Probably full. Not only full, but even fatigued. Do you feel a boost of energy right after that? Is your mind ready to work productively? It is probably able of only thinking: uggh… Nap time! Naturally, you would want to rest a bit instead of go on a run or take on any other task for that day.
But what about sleep? Isn’t sleep supposed to fill us with energy and help us have clear minds? If it is, think about this: how often have you woken up, after a 9-10-11-hour sleep, more tired than when you went to bed the night before? A few times? Or more like almost every time?
Don’t get me wrong, both food and sleep do help with energy. But it’s not more of each that will give you higher energy. It’s rather more quality food (i.e. proper nutrition) and more quality sleep that are going to help.
Yet, the true source of energy is in the mechanics; it’s how you use your body that gives you less energy or more energy. It’s the demand that gets met by the supply.
Wait, what?
Yes, that is exactly right! Picture this: Person #1 is a couch potato. They will probably spend an entire day lying on the couch, playing video games, watching some Netflix and eating. After some sleep, they will start that cycle again. Would you expect this sort of lifestyle to require a high level of energy? Not really… Therefore, if there is no demand, the supply will not be necessary.
What happens with a high performer? Person #2 is someone who is always ready to tackle any challenge that comes their way. They have a packed schedule. They go on a quick run in the morning, they take a cold shower, have something to eat and then go take the kids to school. They get to work, where they have multiple commitments. They meet lots of people and always bring their A-game. The kids need to be picked up from school, they need some help with the homework, food. Then comes time for a quick workout and perhaps some reading. Soon enough it’s bedtime. After a few hours of sleep the cycle starts again.
Did you sense any difference between Person #1 and Person #2? Did you even get a sense of urgency and speed even from reading about Person #2? Would you say that Person #2 has more energy than Person #1? You would be absolutely right!
Philosopher James Allen says ‘The body is servant to the mind’. Whatever the mind will tell your body to do, it WILL do! If your mind sets out more things for you to take care of and you decide to do them no matter what, your body will allocate resources in a more efficient way and you will get all the energy you need!
Healthy Body Means a Healthy Mind
Mens Sana in Corpore Sano – is a Latin saying that translates into A Healthy Mind in A Healthy Body. What this tells us is that there is nothing new about the connection between body and mind. Ancient civilizations knew that the way in which you moved your body affected the way in which your mind functioned. And it is no less true than any law of nature out there.
Greek Philosopher and Mathematician, Pythagoras, was a bodybuilder as well. He promoted the idea of a healthy mind in a healthy body, and apparently, he would also sometimes settle arguments by flexing his muscles. Funny facts aside, it is well known that the way in which one thinks affects their body. The mind can be a harsh slayer. And we talked about the mind and the power it has to shape your reality here: The Silent Architects of Our Reality. So if you believe hard enough that you have a disease, even though you are healthy and full of vitality, your body will respond to what your mind says and will adjust accordingly.
But what about the other way around? Can your body affect the way in which your mind functions? You bet!
You might ask yourself how. Let’s see…
The Mind-Body
We’ve all heard about the Body-Mind Connection. This mind of hours is truly capable of great things. But so is our body! Remember, the body is servant to the mind. But the body can affect the mind as well. Ok, but what is the mind and where is it exactly? Is it in our solar plexus? In the chakras? Where is this all capable mind of ours? Is it in our brain? Some scientists would say yes to that. According to them, the brain is the organ of the mind, in the same way that lungs are the organs used for breathing. Growing evidence shows that the mind is not simply just the result of brain activity, but it goes beyond the physical workings of our brains. So where is it then?
What if I told you that the mind is actually in every cell of our body? Every cell has an intrinsic intelligence. All matter has intelligence and the processes going on in our minds are so complex that it is only possible for the mind to find itself in every living cell of our bodies.
You might find it rather curious, but the truth is that we have a Mind-Body. They are inseparable and it makes sense that they do affect each other so much only because they are integrated with one another and in no way separate.
In this way, everything you do with your body will affect your mind, in the same way the mind will affect your body. If we go back to depression, how would someone depressed look?
Slouched shoulders? Checked!
Head down? Checked!
Bad posture? Checked!
What about a happy person? Someone who is grateful for everything that life brings to them in every moment? Would they stand tall? With a straight back, chin up, shoulders back? Yes to all!
There was a study on power poses and the way in which they affect hormones in our bodies, which in turn, affect the way we think. Years later, it was rather hard to replicate these, so now it is considered inconclusive. We don’t fully know whether power poses do affect our psychology. People tasked with replicating this first study found that power poses might not really influence us. But avoiding the opposites certainly did. A hunched-over position certainly affected the hormones of the subjects, triggering negative feelings. Also, they found that “Facial expressions like smiling or frowning, managing your voice, and controlling your breathing and posture can influence various emotions like happiness, sadness, anger, and fear.”
Ok, but what if power poses DO actually help you? It wouldn’t hurt to try… If you stood like Wonder Woman or Superman, you would hit two birds with one stone. First, you would avoid a hunched-over position. Second, you would eventually gain some boost in testosterone, making you feel more decisive. Try for yourself and tell the world if you notice the difference!
Improving Your Life
Ok, let’s get to the nitty gritty now. Here’s what should you do to have more energy, improve your mental clarity and have a more abundant life.
- Take up a morning routine – In my previous article, I added a video on priming yourself for success. The breathwork done in the priming exercise will boost your energy and will help your body have more vitality, while the gratitude exercise will prime your mind for a positive attitude.
- Integrate light workout in your daily routine – You don’t have to push it to the extreme here. But going on a run or doing some sort of exercise that will push your limit a little bit will help tremendously, as your body will start to demand more energy and therefore create it. As Brendon Burchard says: The power plant does not HAVE energy. It CREATES it. Not only this, but your health will see a major improvement as well and therefore, the mind will have a healthy body to live in!
- Every day, stand guard at the door of your mind. (Jim Rohn) – I can’t stress this enough. If your body is healthy enough, you need to keep your mind healthy as well! Otherwise, since the body does what the mind says, it will soon enough be back to square one!
- Find someone to hold you accountable – If you want to make real progress, you have to find yourself somebody who can hold you accountable. Perhaps there are things you don’t want to do, but have to. Or perhaps you just need someone to strategize with you or guide you on how to achieve your goals. Either way, I am here and can help you as your coach. It would be a privilege to serve you, so don’t hesitate to reach out: support@danielccoaching.com
- Stand tall, straight and smile! – you have a life worth living! It would be a shame not to celebrate that and be proud about it!
Daniel C Coaching 
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