The brain and body are constantly communicating with one another through multiple systems, including the nervous system. Both the brain and body are affected by emotions and both can shift emotions.
Body-based exercises tap into the natural calming and energizing powers of the nervous system. As breathing, heart rate, and physical tension shift, so do thoughts and emotions.
Mindset exercises treat thoughts as signs of an emotion and not as facts. By shifting our perspective to a more neutral, positive, or grateful one, our emotions and body shift, too.
Imagine it’s lunchtime at work and you find that your sandwich disappeared from the communal fridge. Understandably, you’re annoyed and confused. Maybe you do a body-based exercise (such as Tense and Release) and as your body calms down, so does your annoyance at whoever ate your lunch. Or maybe you consider that they might have taken your lunch by accident, and with this new perspective your thoughts and body calm down.
If you’re looking for a quick way (30-60 seconds) to take the edge off a medium or intense emotion, try a body-based or mindset exercise. These are simple yet powerful tools to use during stressful situations, difficult conversations, and overwhelming moments.
