Harness the Power of Mind-Body Synergy to Amplify Career Success
Cracking the work success code isn't just about mental machinery; your body plays a sneaky, yet significant role. Don't brush off those physical cues as mere distractions, considering them as clues to heighten your productivity and happiness. This idea is put forth by Janice Kaplan, a seasoned journalist and author, in her book, What Your Body Knows about Happiness.
So, what gives? How does this body-brain connection impact your career? Kaplan explains that this connection offers an additional tool in the toolbox. When the going gets tough, relying entirely on self-talk can lead to a standoff between what you're thinking and what your body is manifesting. In such situations, your body becomes a secret weapon, sending messages that can steer your mind away from negativity.
Digging deeper into this, imagine you're about to have a daunting discussion with your boss or navigating the nerve-wracking waters of asking for a promotion. Does your body respond positively or send a whirlwind of anxiety skyrocketing? Rather than ignoring these signals, embrace them!
Redefine your discomfort as excitement and embrace the challenge. It's more than just positive thinking; it's about aligning your physical symptoms with a can-do attitude. Remember: the pressure building within you is the kickstart you need. Turn those racing heartbeats into eager anticipation instead of nervy apprehension.
When confronted with the question, "Isn't it just reframing to say to yourself, 'I'm not nervous; I'm excited?'", Kaplan agrees. "It's reframing, but with the symptoms you have." She emphasizes that most people try to talk themselves out of uncomfortable physical sensations, which creates a mismatch between what they're feeling inside and the words they speak. By acknowledging these sensations and reframing them as excitement, you're crafting a powerful comeback for tough professional situations.
This body-brain connection also comes to play in the remote work era, where maintaining focus and fostering motivation can be tricky. Movement stimulates creativity and boosts productivity[1], so whip out the yoga mat for a mid-workday session or take short walks, simple actions that can do wonders for your focus and vitality.
Lastly, how does one strike the perfect balance between work duties and personal downtime during remote working hours? As a self-scheduled worker, allow yourself the freedom to assume that taking breaks for walks or exercise isn't procrastination. Instead, it's an investment in heightened creativity and increased productivity. Standing up and stretching, or flashing a grin to stir a wave of positive feedback, can make a world of difference in maintaining the balance[5].
So there you have it, folks! Cracking the code for work success isn't solely within the confines of a sharp mind; embrace your body's powerful cues for the mind-blowing fruits it can generate when you reciprocate.
- According to Janice Kaplan, author of What Your Body Knows about Happiness, the body-brain connection can serve as an additional tool in career development, particularly in managing difficult situations by realigning physical symptoms with a positive attitude.
- Movement can play a crucial role in maintaining focus and boosting productivity during remote work, as it stimulates creativity and serves as a simple way to enhance one's vitality and mood.
- By understanding and interpreting the body-brain connection, individuals can learn to reframe uncomfortable physical sensations, such as anxiety, to boost their motivation and approach challenging professional situations with a fresh perspective and increased resilience.
