Practicing Mindfulness Is Vital to Namaste(ing) Healthy in 2024

Exercise gives us health of the body, meditation gives us health of the mind. Each strengthens the other." - Tamara Levitt

Today is International Mind-Body Wellness Day, and it’s a golden opportunity to set new intentions for 2024 and discover what it means to have a meaningful mind-body connection. It's no secret that the human mind and body are deeply connected and that both contribute to personal health and well-being. A recent report from Cigna indicates that 92% of adults with diagnosed mental disorders also have additional medical conditions simultaneously.

What's more, the global health and wellness industry is increasingly becoming a top priority for businesses and consumers across the globe (finally). The Global Wellness Institute projects an 8.6% average annual growth with the wellness economy reaching $8.5 trillion in 2027.

My personal and professional intentions that I've set for myself in 2024 are all about mental health and wellness. Here are just several ways to practice mind-body connection this year and beyond.

Be Kind to Yourself

Let's start with the most challenging example first because that's how I operate. It took a life-threatening and life-changing experience to teach me how vital it is to show kindness and compassion to the mind and body. Never say or express anything about yourself that you wouldn't want to come true.

Literally practice expressing gratitude and compassion for your body and your brain - especially when you’re in pain or under stress (is that different from being alive?). Instead of criticizing yourself or swearing at your own stubbed toe, try saying out loud, “Poor toe, you’re hurting right now and it’s ok to not be ok. Let's get you some ice and rest for a while.” You can also thank your body and mind for working hard every day for enabling you to work hard, play hard and be your best self every day.

Stay Present

Being present is a top priority for me in 2024, and it continues to be a daily challenge for me both personally and professionally. Presence means more than refraining from doing other things during work Zoom meetings whilst in your kitchen and/or living room wearing your favorite work sweatpants...again.

My therapist taught me this fantastic and easy exercise: Check your senses. What do you hear? What do you taste? What do you smell? What do you see? What do you feel to the touch? Taking a few minutes at least once daily to check in with the body's senses is a great way to keep the mind and body connected and present together.

Don't Hate, Meditate

Am I the only one whose therapist endearingly and accurately refers to me as 'Monkey Mind'? Meditation to the rescue. Meditation helps cultivate mindfulness and calm the proverbial monkey mind by tapping into the body's sensations, thoughts and emotions to work toward a stronger connection between the mind and body.

Do That Yoga

Practicing yoga and living an active lifestyle every day are powerful and fun ways to gain a deeper understanding of the links between current states of mind and states of the body and vice versa. Recently becoming a certified Yoga Sculpt instructor has helped me stay focused longer, move and speak more confidently, make decisions more efficiently and it sure as hell got me stronger mentally and physically.

Conclusion

What are your mental health and wellness intentions and priorities for 2024 and beyond??Please leave a comment below, I'd love to hear your thoughts and insights! Here's to a healthy, happy, mindful and prosperous New Year of connecting mind to body.

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