Mind Over Matter
Your Mind, Your Body and Everything in Between - A Secret Weapon for Wellbeing
We use the phrase ‘Mind over matter’ in our everyday lives… but do we take this on board and rephrase our perception of a situation? Or is it like one of those greetings when you see someone in passing and say ‘How’s it going?’
Throughout our childhood and then when we go on to have our own children, we are always encouraging them to; ‘eat your greens’, this is difficult (and still can be for some adults) as the matter of the fact is that vegetables are good for us and help us be strong and healthy, but as a child, vegetables are often seen as alien and scary. Adults with children, it is our responsibility to help them win with matter over mind.
Ever had that weird feeling before a big presentation – stomach doing flips, but then you nail it? Or found a burst of energy to finish that gruelling project, even though you were dead tired? That's your mind flexing its muscles, proving that "Mind Over Matter" isn't just a catchy phrase; it's a real superpower. It's about your mental game influencing your physical reality.
But here's the kicker: it works the other way too. Think about trying to be a ray of sunshine when you're utterly drained, or how a messy desk can make your brain feel just as cluttered. That's "Matter Over Mind" in action – your physical state or surroundings dictating your mental vibe.
And let's be honest, sometimes matter wins, right?
The Real Story: It’s a Partnership, Not a Battle
So, is it "Mind Over Matter" or "Matter Over Mind"? The truth is, it's neither. It's about "Mind AND Matter" working together. We often toss around phrases like "Mind Over Matter" without really letting them sink in. Do we truly embrace that idea and use it to change how we see things? Or is it more like a quick "How's it going?" – a polite greeting that doesn't really go anywhere?
Our wellbeing, whether at your desk or out enjoying life, hinges on understanding this incredible dance between your inner world (your thoughts, feelings, perceptions) and your outer world (your body, your environment, your circumstances). When you get this connection, it's not just interesting; it's incredibly empowering.
Your Wellbeing Blueprint: Making ‘Mind AND Matter’ Work for You
Let's get practical. Imagine you're staring down a huge, intimidating project at work. Your first instinct might be pure dread – "Matter Over Mind" kicking in, making you feel overwhelmed by the sheer scale of it.
But what if you consciously shift your focus? Instead of seeing a mountain, you see a series of steps. You remind yourself of past challenges you've overcome. You picture the satisfaction of completing it. That's your "Mind Over Matter" muscle engaging, potentially unlocking creativity, resilience, and even making the process feel less like a chore and more like a conquest.
The same goes for your wider life. We all know we should eat our greens or get enough exercise. Sometimes, the thought of hitting the gym after a long day feels like an uphill battle – classic "Matter Over Mind." But if you shift your focus to how amazing you'll feel afterward, the boost in energy, the clearer mind, the investment in your future self – suddenly, you're guiding your mind to embrace the physical reality. You're actively "winning with matter over mind" to boost your wellbeing.
By truly understanding that your thoughts can shape your physical experience, and that your physical state can influence your thoughts, you gain a powerful tool. This isn't about ignoring challenges; it's about navigating them with a more aware and ultimately more potent perspective. It’s about taking control of your wellbeing, one mind-and-matter moment at a time.
So, how do you see your mind and body teaming up in your own life?