Building mindful body awareness: From the inside out
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EmailBuilding mindful body awareness can increase self-compassion and well-being from the inside out!
Practicing mindfulness can help increase our connection with our body in many different ways. Focusing our awareness and regulating attention are key components of mindfulness that can be channeled to increase body awareness. Becoming more aware of our bodies is important, as research shows that greater body awareness can improve our overall well-being. By practicing mindfulness in the spirit of kindness and self-compassion, we can also increase our body image satisfaction.
Types of body awareness
Experts say there are many aspects of body awareness, but two of the major components are proprioception and interoception. Proprioception generally refers to awareness of where our body is in space. If you close your eyes and think about where different parts of your body are, you are practicing proprioception! Interoception, on the other hand, is the awareness of how our body feels internally. Recognizing when you are hungry, thirsty, or sore after a workout are examples of interoception. Mindfulness practices can help build both aspects of body awareness.
Interoception
A review of studies found that research participants who practiced mindfulness increased their interoception, resulting in improved body awareness, regulation, non-judgement, and reduced reactivity to bodily sensations. Experts believe that stress can lead to miscommunication between our body and brain, leading to prolonged physical symptoms and frustration. By practicing mindfulness and increasing interoception, we can become more attuned to our body’s sensations and determine how to respond appropriately.
Proprioception
Another review of studies found that research participants who practiced mindfulness were more accurate when reporting objective measures of body awareness, including heart rate, breathing, blood sugar, sweat and tactile response. An additional study found that participants with more stress (measured by cortisol levels) were less accurate at determining the position of their ankles when asked to flex them at different angles.
While many mindfulness practices are effective at reducing stress, mindful movement in particular may be helpful at increasing awareness of physical movement.
MSU Extension programs offer support for creating mindful body awareness
Michigan State University Extension provides many different programs and resources that can help build mindful body awareness. Programs that can help teach mindful movement include Tai Chi for Arthritis and Fall Prevention and Walk with Ease. The Mindfulness for Better Living Platform also offers a range of resources and programs to help you learn more about mindfulness. You can begin building mindful body awareness today with a short body scan found on our Mindful Body Awareness page or Tai Chi Warm-Up exercises. If you are looking for more daily movement visit our physical activity website and to find some new ideas for meal check out MSU Extension recipes that highlight seasonal fruits and vegetables.
