VAISHALI GILL
We all want to be healthier versions of ourselves and improve our overall wellbeing. Most of the time, we tend to concentrate only on the body, focusing on our physical health. While this is important, it’s not the only component of wellbeing we should be improving. We need to understand the importance of the body, mind and soul and how they work together to build our overall wellbeing. A healthy body keeps you well and active. A healthy mind keeps you focused and engaged. A healthy soul keeps you fulfilled and content. For many people, the mind and brain are interchangeable. They use one word or the other to talk about the same thing but, the mind and brain are actually two very different, but interconnected, entities. So, what exactly is the difference between the mind and the brain? Well, the mind is separate, yet inseparable from, the brain. The mind uses the brain, and the brain responds to the mind. The mind also changes the brain. People choose their actions—their brains do not force them to do anything. Yes, there would be no conscious experience without the brain, but experience cannot be reduced to the brain's actions. The link between mind, body and soul is scientific fact. Research reveals we have three separate neural pathway networks, leading to the head, the gut and the heart.We need to look after our mental health to maintain focus and clarity of the mind. It’s important to develop positive relationships and genuine connection to nourish our spiritual and emotional health. If our physical health is sound but our mental or spiritual wellbeing is not, our physical health will eventually be impacted by the effects of reduced motivation, low morale, decreased satisfaction and lack of purpose. Likewise, poor physical health affects our personal satisfaction, contentment and mental state.