6 Mind Body Therapies That Can Help Improve Overall Wellness

Your mind is a wonderous, complex place. Our brains are capable of so much more than what we know. As extraordinary as our minds are, there comes a time when we simply need peace and quiet for self-care. 

Allowing our minds and bodies to relax and recharge is essential. Without mind body healing techniques, both our minds and bodies can become overwhelmed and burned out. Luckily, there are several mind body therapies that you can consider looking into. 

There's no one type of therapy that's better than the other. There's only what works best for you and what might not work as well, but keep in mind that everyone's different. You don't want to compare yourself or your therapy to anyone else, because it's all about your own healing and growth, which might look different than your neighbor's.

In the guide below, we explore the different mind and body therapy options that you can consider trying. Continue reading to learn more!

1. Engaging in Yoga

Have you tried engaging in yoga? Did you know there are many different forms of yoga?

If flipping upsidedown or putting your body into difficult yoga positions intimidates you, don't let it stop you from giving it a try. There are all levels of yoga from beginner classes to advanced classes. Beginner classes steer away from any difficult or intense positions and stretches. 

Instead, it focuses on relaxing your mind, practicing mindfulness, and slowing down your response to stress. The great thing about yoga is you don't even have to leave your house to try it out. There are online instructor-led classes you can sign up for, or you can watch different pre-recorded videos online created by instructors. 

If you enjoy going to in-person classes, then those are always an option as well. 

2. Writing in a Journal

Writing in a journal is a wonderful way to remove all of the chaos in your mind and transfer it to paper. Journaling is something you can do on your own at home. You don't need anyone to guide you through it. 

Allow your mind to roam freely when writing. Your journal is a place where you can be your true self. Any worries or concerns you may have, write them down. Release them from the chains inside your mind.

Once you have all of these worries on paper, your mind is then free. You can also write down tasks you must get done for the day. It helps relieve stress when you do so. 

3. Practicing Meditation

When you imagine someone meditating, what do you envision? Did you know there are several forms of meditation? 

Guided meditation is one form to consider. When you meditate, you focus your entire mind and being on the present moment. You let go of anything causing your stress or worry, and you become one with the earth. 

As you meditate, you begin to place a focus on your breathing. Deep breathing exercises are beneficial when you want to calm your mind and body. As you focus on your breathing, you pay attention to how your breath feels as it enters and exits through your nose and lungs. 

You then become aware of how your entire body feels in that specific moment. The end result is a sense of calmness. 

4. Trying Dance Therapy

Do you love to dance?

There's something about getting up and busting a move that brings happiness. You can even use dance as a form of therapy! Dance/movement therapy consists of using movement to reconnect your mind with your body. 

Dance therapy has proven to be beneficial for trauma survivors and those with eating disorders. The list doesn't stop there, however. Dance therapy can help with social, physical, mental, and cognitive issues as well. 

When some people have a hard time expressing their emotions or addressing trauma, they can express it through movement and dance. 

5. Considering Massage Therapy

Massage therapy isn't only for those with back and neck pain. Massage therapy can help relieve this type of pain, but it's so much more than that. Massage therapy can also help reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. 

Some massage therapists even use aromatherapy during their sessions to heighten the relaxing effects. They'll burn calming essential oils in a diffuser or use them topically as part of the massage. It gives you an hour or so to fully relax and ease your mind and body. 

6. Using Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a form of therapy that allows you to use your own imagination to heal. It's referred to as guided because you'll have a therapist there to help guide you through the process. You can then allow your mind to take you to any place you imagine. 

You recreate images, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures. You can work with your therapist to develop a safe place. It may take some time to fully develop it, but once you're done creating it, you'll have a safe place to visit whenever needed. 

This place could be your favorite spot on the beach as you remember the wind blowing through your hair, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore, the taste and smell of salt in the air, and much more. When you feel anxious, depressed, or stressed, you can visit your safe place in your mind. 

Try These Mind Body Therapies for a Healthy Wellbeing Overall 

Being healthy isn't only associated with the physical body. True health depends on both your mind and body. Using these mind body therapies is an excellent start when searching for overall health. 

Remember, the list of ways to improve mental health is endless. It's all about finding what works best for you. 

For some quick ways to take care of your mental health on a daily basis, check out this post!

Image Credit: Matthew Henry