We often forget how amazing our body is. Yet there are moments of recognizing the way that it grows, adapts, functions and heals, which leads us to feeling in awe. And then life gets busy again.

What’s even more remarkable is how closely your mind and body are connected. If your body is hurting, it can affect your mood. And when you are worried or upset, your body can feel tense, heavy or tired. This connection is why taking care of both physical and mental health is the foundation of true self-care.

Self-care is more than bubble baths or occasional treats — it’s the daily practice of caring for yourself in kind and healthy ways. It can be as simple as getting enough sleep, eating healthy food, resting or asking for help when you need it. Psychotherapist Esther Perel describes self-care as “the ability to cultivate your own awareness, your own needs … to see yourself as a flawed individual and still hold yourself in high regard.” 

In our fast-paced, productivity-driven world, our bodies are often overlooked, overworked or even mistreated. But now is the time to turn our attention inward — to appreciate, nurture and respect the body that carries us through life. Your body isn’t just a machine to keep going at all costs; it deserves kindness, rest and attention.

Your Brain can Change and Grow: Neuroplasticity

Our brain is a major part of our body. We used to believe that we are doomed with the brain that we were born with. Good news: You’re not stuck being the way you are right now, because your brain can change its structure and function in response to new experiences and choices. This is called neuroplasticity — your brain is moldable, repairable and healable; thus, it can grow new connections, repair damaged ones, and even rewire itself — even into old age. 

Scientists have even found 80-year-olds whose brains function like those of people in their 20s. This discovery gives great hope to anyone facing physical illnesses and mental struggles. 

How to Change a Habit

We all have habits we want to break — procrastinating, staying up too late, scrolling on your phones for hours, or getting stuck in negative thinking. With neuroplasticity on our side, it’s possible. The first step is awareness — recognizing the patterns that no longer serve your health, relationships or sense of purpose. From there, intentional, repeated choices can help you think, feel and act differently.

Research shows that just 15 minutes a day, five days a week, for one month can help create new neural pathways. Small, consistent actions can rewire your brain.

You are What You Eat: Oral Soothing

Dr. Mark Hyman, practicing in functional medicine, often says, “You are what you eat.” Food affects mood, energy and even mental health. Often some of my clients admit their dysfunctional relationship with food — emotional eating, using food to cope with emotions. This “oral soothing” expresses both the depth and range of suffering that occurs when emotional needs are ignored, and physical needs are indulged. The problem is it doesn’t solve the real issue underneath. Food is supposed to give your body energy and help it grow strong — not fix your feelings.

Instead of judging yourself, try to notice what your body actually needs. Mindful eating — slowing down, noticing hunger cues, savoring food and honoring your body’s needs — can help you feel more in control and more connected to your body.

Exercise: The Best Medicine

If you want to feel better, more energized, motivated, clear-headed, and even slow the aging process — get moving!  Dr. Stephen Ilardi, a clinical psychologist, calls exercise “more powerful than any pill you can take,” because it helps your body stay healthy by positively affecting both brain and body chemistry.

The key is to find an activity you enjoy — walking, yoga, dancing, swimming or even gentle stretching — and start where you are. You don’t have to run marathons. Small, consistent steps add up.

Why Sleep Matters

Even with good habits, healthy eating, and regular exercise, lack of sleep can throw everything out of balance and everything feels harder. You struggle with focus, your mood drops and your energy is down.

Good sleep hygiene means going to bed and waking up around the same time each day, avoiding screens, alcohol, and caffeine before bedtime, and creating a cool, comfortable sleeping space. A quiet mind and a tired body are a good recipe for restful sleep.

Our Body: Macrocosm of the Universe

Dr. Emeran Mayer has observed that the “super healthy” 5% of North Americans share two traits: optimism and resilience. They bounce back from crises, tragedies, and losses with strength, courage, and hope.

Every person has a fundamental right to happiness. Living with gratitude, peace, and dignity begins with tuning in to the incredible gift of your body — listening to it, appreciating it, and honoring the miracle it is.

When we care for our mind and body together, we don’t just feel better — we live better. Every part of life improves when we treat our body like the tiny universe it is: full of energy, wisdom and possibilities.

TAKE AWAY TO-DOS

Check out the NAMI National website at nami.org, and your NAMI Wyoming website at namiwyoming.com for signature programs, and upcoming events.

Check in on a friend, who might be struggling with mental health issues.

The Wyoming Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by call or text at 988 at any time.

(Myoung Shin Hilson is a psychotherapist and a member of NAMI Wyoming.)