Mind, Body, & Soul: Knowing The Difference
Photo by Jonas Spott on Unsplash
DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical or mental health professional. Everything I share is information gained through personal experience, professional help, and outside resources. It is your own personal responsibility to seek professional help and advice before implementing any life-altering practices. Everyone's mental health journey looks different. My story is just one of millions. If you are feeling lost, scared, alone, concerned, or just not right, I encourage you to connect with a mental health professional. Don't wait until it becomes a crisis.
Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind, and spirit. - B.K.S. Iyengar || Photo by Jonas Spott on Unsplash
Understanding the difference between mind, body, and soul isn’t a requirement to self-care, but it can be beneficial. Differentiating among the three sets a foundation to intentionally caring for your whole self.
Yes, many self-care practices end up being a “two-birds-one-stone” scenario, bringing energy to more than one facet. However, making an intentional effort to care for each ensures none are neglected.
Once you begin to know yourself better (ICYMI: The First Step to Mental Wellness), you may be able to work out if it’s your mind, body, and/or soul asking for extra attention when feeling especially drained. Then, you can target your self-care practice to meet the need.
The Differences
MIND
When we talk about our mind, we're referring to a part of our self that is responsible for thought. Processing, analyzing, problem-solving, and common sense all come from the “mind” part of our being. This is also where worry, overthinking, and certain stresses are generated.
BODY
This one is pretty self-explanatory. “Body” refers to our physical self - the actual cells that make up who we are and how we tangibly appear on this planet. Our muscles and organs; our digestive, respiratory, and circulatory systems… I’m assuming you had some form of basic biology, so I’ll skip the rest of the list.
SOUL
Of the three, I feel like “soul” is the one that causes confusion and raises the most questions. In religion, the soul - or spirit - often refers to the part of ourselves that bonds with a deity, continues on in the afterlife, and/or is reincarnated. Outside of this perspective, I see the soul as the emotional self, the part where creativity flows from, where we form personal connections with others.
SELF-CARE FOR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL
“But, Rebekah, I understand the difference between the three, but what are some examples of targeted self-care practices?” Why, I am so glad you asked! I’ve got some basic suggestions for you.
mind
Meditation
Journaling
Unplugging from Social Media
body
Deep Breathing
Exercise
Drinking Enough Water
soul (Spirit)
Sitting in Silence
Reconnecting with Nature
Creating
CHALLENGE & FREEBIE
If you already have self-care practices in place, I encourage you to make a physical list, while categorizing each practice based on the part of the self. If any fit more than one category, list them in each applicable column. You can do this in a journal or use the fillable, printable worksheet I made just for you!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
If you don’t have any established self-care practices, use this as an opportunity to intentionally search for some. Try to find at least two in each category. They don’t have to be complicated or costly - just a few things that bring you energy, joy, and renewal. You can even use the ideas above as brainstorming starters.
Once finished, you can use this worksheet as a resource. Select at least one practice to pursue everyday. And when your body needs some extra attention after challenging yard work or your brain is fried after helping your 9th grader with algebra you haven’t used in two decades, you can simply pick an option from this list and start getting back to your best self.
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