Why connection is a catalyst for repair and performance
CONNECTION: Noun - a relationship in which a person or thing is linked or associated with something else.
Have you ever heard the statement your gut is your second brain?
There's a lot of research that proves there’s an intimate connection between your mind and gut health. One can impact the other and vice versa.
Your brain and Central Nervous System (CNS) are filled with approximately 100 billion neurons. Neurons are cells in your body that communicate messages internally to help your brain and body function at an optimal level.
Gut & Brain Connection:
Scientists have coined the term Enteric Nervous System (or ENS for short) which refers to the emotional/mental/physical connection between your gut and your mind. In recent years, researchers have found food irritations in the gut such as IBS symptoms may send signals to the Central Nervous System (CNS) that can trigger mood changes such as Depression and Anxiety. Link
Through extensive research and personal experience, it is understood that there is a direct link between a healthy, nutrient-dense diet can create a happy and balanced mental state. If you’re experiencing gut or bowel irritations, depending on the severity of the situation, I would suggest:
- keeping a food diary to determine which foods are triggering discomfort.
- Visiting both a nutritionist and naturopath to mark out a transition to a healthier diet and figure out how to balance out your gut flora for comfort and ease and ultimately assist in a stronger mental state.
- Buy organic where you can (the environment in which our food is produced, sprays, and food handling play an important role in how nutritious our food is).
Tools & Techniques to connect back to self:
When there is a disconnect within us, we feel off-balance, out of focus, or scattered at times.
Sourcing and implementing mind-body practices and techniques that suit our personality and needs is essential in enhancing the positive balance required to function daily when dealing with stress and unforeseen situations.
Below are some practices I recommend and use for myself and clients to connect back to self:
- Meditation, I run through a body scanning daily meditation in my connection online masterclass
- Mindful movement (Yoga, Qi-gong) and restorative exercise
- Journal – write down emotions, thoughts, and feelings that are weighing down on you to release them from circulating in your mind all day or night. I have an online masterclass on journaling.
- Take a mindful walk out in the fresh air. Eliminate the idea of listening to any music or a podcast and just breathe in what is around you, listen to the sounds, smell the atmosphere and focus on the present moment of your surroundings.
- Tidy your space - your immediate environment can impact your mental environment. When your desk feels as cluttered as your brain it can be hard to focus.
- Play with a pet
- Practice progressive muscle relaxation
- Re-asses your to-do lists – prioritise what is non-negotiable for that day/week and then work back to the remainder. Maybe there are tasks you can move over to the next week or following month to lighten your mental capacity of feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks to complete in a short space of time.
“Flexibility in the mindset affects everything that matters”
Amanda Campbell
When we focus our energy on what we’re scared of and don’t want in times of stress, we tend to focus on the negative, and worst-case scenarios. This is a common survival technique that the brain does to prioritise survival and protection. The trouble is, this is a counterproductive way to live, it can inhibit repair, our ability to adapt or change, and create a positive path forward.
Mastering the art of letting go of old beliefs and negative scenarios, empowers us with the ability to be flexible within complex or stressful situations. A flexible mindset helps us to move through times of change with ease, finding the positive within the negative, seeing the obstacle as an opportunity to grow, reaching our fullest potential.
Flexibility in our mindset allows us to change our minds about old stories and beliefs, that conflict with what we are wanting. Flexibility in our body mirrors the flexibility in our mind, this can be optimised with a movement and stretch program.
Flexibility in our soul feels expansive, when we are aligned, walking our talk, living a life of meaning, higher understanding, and purpose. With an elevated state, we can see our obstacles as opportunities.
By understanding and implementing the below tools during moments of hardship or stressful situations, you can always create a state of the mind-body connection and process challenging circumstances.
MEDITATION
Meditation is a time when we can quiet our minds. With a quiet mind, guidance comes. A routine is an opportunity to go within, boosting our internal anchor. This is how we can strengthen our mind, giving ourselves the best environment to achieve a higher understanding, seeing our life and any challenges from a higher perspective of a mountain top. A broader perspective allows us to understand more about our situation, we are less reactive and open to noticing more possibility, that surrounds us.
Click here for mindset and meditation resources compiled on my website.
ACCESSING YOUR HIGHER SELF AND GUIDANCE
Every day I use my time on my mat to ask for guidance. I ask a question and sit with this, to see what messages come to me. A meditative body scan can help you to reconnect to your body and your higher self. You can imagine this connection of energy is like a bubble of light, protecting you.
Now I visualise myself sitting on top of a mountain, seeing my life from this higher perspective. I ask my higher self, what do I need to know and understand? You can ask anything you want, and your inner guidance will come. When we exercise our energy in meditation, we are strengthening our vitality, we can recharge just like a battery, discovering that all the answers are within.
CONNECTION & VISUALISATION
Another thing I like to do at the end of my meditation is visualisation. I would like you to visualise your day, the coming weeks, and the months ahead. Can you imagine the best-case scenario, daydream it, can you feel that situation coming to you and the joy in your heart? Then as you get up, start your day believing it is so. This is a wonderful morning ritual I use to elevate my state and vibration, so I can rise above and become greater than my fears, worries, or ailments. Practice setting your morning up for success with this elevated mindset. With an elevated state, you can connect to your higher self and all the guidance that it provides.
Think of your power as currency and spend it mindfully with all your choices, thoughts, and reactions.
ELEVATE YOUR STATE
Use something like a wristband or favourite piece of jewelry to bring you back to a state of awareness to assist in staying within your highest self.
I hope that you enjoy living in this elevated state, seeing your world from a higher perspective, with fresh eyes and a higher understanding of your life and your circumstances. I truly believe our setbacks, circumstances, and the hurdles we face, are in our lives to help us grow. I’d love for you to see each challenge as a gift, leading you to a path that will help you to become the person you are ready to be, to receive all that you are wanting.
FORGIVENESS
Any inner conflict can eat away at us inside, when left unresolved the build-up of energy and pressure can manifest into symptoms such as pain, digestive issues, anxiety, or even depression.
The art of forgiveness can truly elevate our energy allowing more joy, love, and light into our lives. Holding onto anger or grief is only hurting us. We are all connected, so when we can forgive someone that we perceive has hurt us, energetically we are also creating and holding a space for that person to open up to love and forgiveness too.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR GOALS HAPPEN
There is resistance within us when we have opposing beliefs that do not align with our goals. When our goals align with our positive beliefs about ourselves and our ability to achieve them, we can manifest them. When we let go of our inner conflict, this also promotes more growth and repair.
When we are present and, at the moment, we can be more flexible and calmer. Catch yourself when you are in your head, dwelling on the past or over analysing the future. Bring yourself back into the moment, your most creative state.
I believe that all that we seek externally, must be found within us first. Our setbacks, and the more difficult times that we face, can end up being gifts. Allowing us to awaken, connecting to the power we have within ourselves, to heal.
Workplace Wellness
Part of my resilience workplace program is a section on connection. This part of the program teaches you the importance of mind-body connection, understanding and creating an environment to thrive in, how to foster creativity and innovation in your daily work, and techniques on how to wash and empty your mind.
https://www.amandacampbell.com.au/workplace-program
Remember when you eat better you will feel better. When you feel better you are more inclined to make better choices, leading to a happier and healthier you.
RESOURCES
Link - https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-brain-gut-connection
More resources - https://www.bendlikebamboo.com/resources
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/gut-brain-connection#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2
https://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/explore-healing-practices/what-are-mind-body-therapies
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/how-to-clean-your-mind#talk-about-it
“When you eat better, you will feel better”
Amanda Campbell
Work with Amanda
If interstate or international :
Call us on 1300 188 882 or email hello@amandacampbell.com.au to find out how to book in for online coaching if you are outside of Melbourne / International.
Speaking:
Amanda presents her wellness workshops and keynotes virtually, live on zoom.
To book Amanda to speak at your event or workplace please contact:
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hello@amandacampbell.com.au
1300 188 882
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Online course: https://bendlikebamboo.teachable.com/courses/
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