The intricate interplay between the brain’s cognitive functions and bodily control isn’t simply an advanced feature—it’s fundamentally built into our neurological wiring. This isn’t merely an interesting piece of trivia; it reiterates the profound impact our thoughts and plans can have on seemingly automatic bodily functions like blood pressure and heartbeat. In essence, our physicality is not isolated from our mental state; they are co-dependent, feeding into and off of each other in a harmonious cycle.
For those who see humans as mere “brains in jars,” this serves as a reminder that our evolution has designed us to be holistic beings. Our brains are not independent processors but part of an integrated system that includes our bodies. I’ve always believed that we are not just thinking creatures; we’re also physical beings tied to our environment. This viewpoint is not just philosophical—it’s anatomical.
It’s a given that exercisers are familiar with how mental states can influence physical performance. But this also expands our understanding of the reciprocal relationship: how our physical state can echo back into our cognition and emotions. A stroll in nature isn’t just good for the legs; it changes the mental playlist.
Understanding this interconnectedness can serve as the cornerstone for a more holistic approach to health and wellness, beyond just physical exercise or mental techniques. Because, at the end of the day, our bodies and minds are not separate realms but constituents of a single, dynamic system.
Read more at: Mind-body connection is built into brain, study suggests – Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis
You may also be interested in: Embodied Cognition- More Than a Brain in a Jar