Embodiment is the idea that the mind and body are interconnected, and that our experiences and emotions are not just mental, but also physical. This concept has gained increasing attention in recent years, with research showing that our physical sensations, movements, and postures can impact our emotional states and mental well-being. In this article, we'll explore the science behind embodiment and how it can be applied to improve our lives.
The Science of Embodiment
Research has shown that our physical experiences and sensations can affect our emotional states and mental well-being. For example, studies have found that standing in a confident, upright posture can increase feelings of power and decrease stress, while slouching can lead to feelings of helplessness and increased stress (Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010). Similarly, movements such as walking or running can improve mood and decrease anxiety (Craft & Landers, 1998; Salmon, 2001).
The connection between the mind and body is also evident in the way we process emotions. Studies have found that emotions are not just experienced in the brain, but also in the body, with specific bodily sensations associated with different emotions (Nummenmaa, Glerean, Hari, & Hietanen, 2014). For example, people tend to feel warmth in their chest when experiencing love, and a tightness in the chest when feeling sadness or anxiety.
The Application of Embodiment
Embodiment can be applied in many ways to improve our well-being. One way is through mindfulness practices, such as body scanning, which involves paying attention to physical sensations in the body. This practice can help us become more aware of our physical experiences and emotions, and learn to regulate them more effectively (Farb et al., 2010).
Another way embodiment can be applied is through movement practices, such as yoga or dance. These practices can improve body awareness, posture, and flexibility, and have been shown to have positive effects on mental health and well-being (Khalsa et al., 2016; Koch & Fuchs, 2011).
Embodiment can also be applied in therapy, through techniques such as somatic experiencing or body psychotherapy. These approaches use the body as a gateway to accessing and processing emotions, and have been found to be effective in treating a variety of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma (Ogden, Minton, & Pain, 2006; Payne et al., 2015).
Conclusion
Embodiment is a powerful concept that highlights the connection between our physical experiences and our emotional states and mental well-being. By becoming more aware of our physical sensations and movements, and learning to regulate them more effectively, we can improve our overall well-being and quality of life.
If you're interested in exploring the power of embodiment for yourself and want guidance on how to apply it in your life, consider working with an embodiment practicioner. As a psychologist, focussing on embodiment, I can help you cultivate a deeper awareness of your physical experiences and emotions, and support you in developing practices and techniques to improve your well-being. Contact me to schedule a consultation and learn more about how embodiment coaching can benefit you.
Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. J., & Yap, A. J. (2010). Power posing: Brief nonverbal displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychological science, 21, 1363-1368..
Craft, L. L., & Landers, D. M. (1998). The effect of exercise on clinical depression and depression resulting from mental illness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 20, 339-357.
Farb, N. A., Anderson, A. K., Mayberg, H., Bean, J., McKeon, D., & Segal, Z. V. (2010). Minding one’s emotions: mindfulness training alters the neural expression of sadness. Emotion, 10, 25.
Khalsa, S. B. S., Hickey-Schultz, L., Cohen, D., Steiner, N., & Cope, S. (2012). Evaluation of the mental health benefits of yoga in a secondary school: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. The journal of behavioral health services & research, 39, 80-90.
Koch, S. C., & Fuchs, T. (2011). Embodied arts therapies. The Arts in Psychotherapy, 38, 276-280.
Nummenmaa, L., Glerean, E., Hari, R., & Hietanen, J. K. (2014). Bodily maps of emotions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 111, 646-651.
Ogden, P., Minton, K., & Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the body: A sensorimotor approach to psychotherapy (norton series on interpersonal neurobiology). WW Norton & Company.
Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.
Salmon, P. (2001). Effects of physical exercise on anxiety, depression, and sensitivity to stress: a unifying theory. Clinical psychology review, 21, 33-61.
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