Want more energy? To feel happier? Here are 5 ways by growing our Body Intelligence
I had a really blah day yesterday. Felt blue, sad, down. In a low mood. Meh. I wrote a poem about it.
After 10 hours of sleep, it got me thinking, in order for today to be different than yesterday, I need to shift my focus, shift my energy, do some mindset work and move my body differently. So much of what we experience in the mind comes from what we do with our bodies.
Most of us know IQ, Intelligence Quotient, and EQ, Emotional Intelligence or Quotient, and their importance in our day to day lives. However, have you heard of BQ — Body Quotient? It also plays an important role.
Body Intelligence means being attuned to and living within the rhythms of life around you.
How we are living in any given context.
How we behave in a given, specific environment.
Body Intelligence is being present, being able to show up and having a deep sense of wellbeing.
Our bodies are constantly communicating with us.
They are sending us messages.
Sometimes we experience a high mood and energy, which allow us almost effortlessly to be productive and feel great.
Other times, we end up having down days — days like I did yesterday, or anywhere in between.
Eating, sleeping, moving, playing, and breathing are essential functions that we need to be healthy, well, vital and feel energetic.
Research has shown that this is critical to developing a healthy immune and nervous system.
Want more energy? To feel happier? Here are five ways to get there by growing our Body Intelligence.
Mindful Eating
Eating is one of the fundamental ways we stay connected to our context. It’s not just what you eat, but when, where, how, and why you eat that empowers us, including our growth and ability to learn. As many of us need to develop and change skill sets in a rapidly changing world, we need to ensure our eating habits support whatever is happening in our lives.
Belly breathing
Breathing is the most fundamental rhythm we need for growth. In each moment, we are taking in our context and giving back what we don’t need. Belly breathing helps to clear the mind of stubborn thoughts and relax the body.
It is a simple mindfulness breathing exercise to practice when stressed and before bed to help us fall asleep more easily.
Do you have children? This is something you can do together as a family — for wellbeing, bonding, to reduce anxiety and overwhelm and connect with each other at any given moment by syncing your breathing.
Standing meditation or Zhan Zhuang (Jam Jong—Standing like a tree)
Found in almost every tai chi class, it involves standing still like a tree for a certain period of time. We can concentrate on relaxing the body and mind while maintaining correct body structure while taking slow, calm breaths. This exercise has been known to help the sick recover their health and make them strong.
Dancing
Dancing along with the music in a fun and silly way helps build the movement and improve the sensory connections.
I love Kinrgy.
Play Catch
Who said playing is just for kids? Get outside in the fresh air with a friend, colleague, your neighbour or your children and play a good old fashioned game of catch!
