Harness the Link Between Mind and Body for Career Enhancement
Cracking the code on professional success goes beyond just book smarts and a killer resume. Part of the secret sauce lies in understanding the intricate body-brain connection that has taken the scientific world by storm. This powerful alliance can uplift your career game, boosting your mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
In her latest book, "What Your Body Knows about Happiness," journalist and former Parade editor-in-chief Janice Kaplan shines a spotlight on this connection, merging findings from psychology, neuroscience, and medicine to demonstrate how you can use your body to unlock a long and rewarding career. Kaplan insists that happiness and success are just as much an outside job as an inside one; harnessing the body-brain connection is the key to enhancing creativity, stamina, focus, and, ultimately, job satisfaction.
So what does this bodily wisdom mean for your nine-to-five? Let's dive in.
A Tool to Overcome Difficulties
"Your body is throwing out hints every single day, but most people aren't in tune with these signals," Kaplan explains. When you find yourself struggling at work or facing professional challenges, your mind might start overthinking, dwelling on negative feedback, or getting lost in self-doubt. But your body doesn't lie; it's constantly scanning your environment and sending signals that can help you navigate through tough times.
Recognizing and interpreting these bodily signals can serve as an additional tool in your toolbox. If you're feeling tense or anxious at work, it might be your brain's way of telling you something isn't right. Instead of trying to ignore or subdue these feelings, learn to accept and reframe them in a positive light. Rather than viewing your work and life as opposed, acknowledge that they're part of the same team.
Boosting Confidence in Stressful Moments
Feeling the butterflies before a big meeting or promoting yourself for a job opportunity? Instead of clenching your jaws and trying to will the anxiety away, ask yourself: what's another emotion that aligns with this feeling? Is it excitement, anticipation, or eagerness? By reframing the sensation in a positive light, you can turn nervousness into motivation, anxiety into determination, and shyness into confidence.
It might feel a bit contrived at first, but with practice, your body and brain will start to work together more efficiently, reinforcing a cycle of positivity and success.
Navigating the New Remote Landscape
Working from home can present its own set of challenges, such as lethargy and decreased motivation. To combat this, utilize the body-brain connection principles to improve productivity and creativity.
Stand up, stretch, or take brief walks while you brainstorm ideas. Incorporating physical activity into your work routine can help stimulate creativity, even boosting your idea-generation capacity by 50%—according to a Stanford study.
Take breaks to maintain a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you aren't hunched over your computer for extended periods. Move around the room with a straight back, smile, and allow the feedback from your facial muscles to help uplift your mood and soothe your mind.
Remember, awareness of the body-brain connection is the ultimate key to unlocking a productive, fulfilling, and successful career.
- In her book, Janice Kaplan explains that our bodies provide daily hints, but most people are not attuned to these signals, implying that recognizing and interpreting bodily signs can serve as a valuable tool in overcoming work-related difficulties.
- According to Kaplan, when faced with professional challenges or feelings of tension at work, it's essential to accept and reframe those feelings positively, turning anxiety into motivation, and transforming nervousness into confidence.
- In the new remote workplace landscape, applying body-brain connection principles can enhance productivity and creativity. Standing, stretching, or taking walks while brainstorming ideas can boost creativity, while taking breaks and maintaining proper posture can improve mood and overall well-being in the workplace.
- By nurturing the body-brain connection, individuals can unlock a path to a successful, productive, and fulfilling career, potentially boosting idea-generation capacity and navigating stressful moments more effectively.
