FIND YOUR FLOW TOWARDS A HEALTHIER LIFE

How do you create a healthier mind-body connection in your life? Be conscious of your everyday choices to find a more mindful balance, and go with the flow.


BY: JAMIE MOK, MS, RD, RYT

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Adopting a mindful approach to health, from the food we consume and thoughts we process to how we move, rest and nurture ourselves, collectively enriches our quality of life.  

But how do we empower individuals to develop a personal rhythm, one that leads them towards a healthier physical state and mental space that flows with their everyday lives?  

Because health, in fact, is so much more than just food and exercise guided by evidence-based science. It’s about addressing the needs of an individual, and widening the lens to bring attention to other equally important aspects of your wellbeing that are essential to creating balance. 

It advocates mindful nutrition by being informed of the source and nutritional value of foods, and its impact on a physical, mental and emotional level. Here’s how you can find a better way to feed your everyday flow in life.

CHECK IN WITH YOURSELF.

The mind-body connection has a profound influence over our health on a physical and biochemical level. Developing a healthy mind-body connection requires daily “check-ins” with our physical and mental states. Through this connection, we become conscious of our well-being, which naturally guides us towards a path that feeds into a flow of less resistance rather than a direction that feels unnatural or forced. 

Mindful practices such as meditation, yoga, journaling, breathing exercises, are effective ways to “check in” by:

  • Addressing physical and mental tension.
  • Building strength, flexibility, improve coordination, agility, and proprioception with yoga postures.
  • Deepening appreciation for our body’s physical capabilities, which boosts mood, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. 
  • Bringing attention to our thoughts, habits, self-talk and negative patterns that may otherwise lead to self-destructive behaviors.
  • Boosting production of endorphins, dopamine, melatonin, and GABA.
  • Activating our parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes calm, relaxation, digestion, and deescalates systemic inflammation.

BE FREE, AND ENJOY.

Battling restrictive diets and obsessing over food rules is damaging on all accounts of well-being. Distracted by unwarranted beliefs and behaviors, we miss out on a large part of life developing mental, physical and emotional imbalances which can manifest as anxiety, depression, social anxiety around food, disordered eating, nutrient deficiencies, metabolic dysfunction, and many preventable diseases. 

Eating well is not only essential for good health, but also one of life’s greatest pleasures.  The entire experience of food is meant to be celebrated from the moment it’s grown, prepared then enjoyed!

FIND A CREATIVE BALANCE.

Whether you identify as a vegetarian, omnivore or somewhere in between, we can all reap the health benefits of a plant-based diet.

Research over the years and across the globe have shown positive correlations between diets high in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, and seeds with favorable biomarkers, decreased risk of a number of chronic diseases, and increased vitality and longevity. Explore a wide array of seasonal plant foods, and experiment with creative ways to prepare plant-based meals all-year-round! 

Through this more natural pursuit of health and happiness, we begin to peel back layers of getting to know our truest selves. 

There is a shift of attention inward to listen, honor and learn from the deep-seated wisdom within us that generates greater self-awareness and a deeper appreciation for our well-being.

Daily “check-ins” with our physical and mental state guides our thoughts and actions towards productive healthy behaviors, and away from counterproductive behavior patterns. After all, in order for any health behavior to be successful and sustainable, it must celebrate variety, flexibility, and most importantly, bring joy.  

When we embody mindfulness and experience positive shifts in our own health and well-being, we naturally start to apply the same approach to other areas in our lives. And in the process of becoming more conscious of our own well-being, 

We create our very own rhythm that flows with everyday life.  

HEADER IMAGE: ALENA OZEROVA

Jamie Mok, MS, RD, RYT is a Los Angeles based dietitian nutritionist and yoga teacher. She specializes in nutrition therapy for prevention and management of chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and gastrointestinal diseases, plant-based cooking and Vinyasa yoga. Jamie merges evidence based nutrition with mind-body practices such as yoga and meditation to help her clients inspire healthy change from within. Learn more about Jamie at jamiemok.com.