We understand that there is some connection between mind and body. I have many posts regarding specific aspects of this connection. In this particular post I will mention some of the issues addressed in-depth elsewhere on this blog.
Muscle memory or kinesthetic learning is applicable to people whose memorization skill is closely linked to body status. Anna often says: things you learn while sitting should be recollected while sitting, things you memorize while walking around should be recollected while walking around. It is entirely possible to use your body as your memory palace, as long as you remember the feel in specific muscles with utter clarity. If your body gets hurt it may hurt your memorization skills. Even if you do not use your body as a memory palace, you should take care of its well-being.
Emotions modify the way our body feels. The same way we may use our muscle memory, we may use emotional memory to color our visual markers. Stress can hurt our body and change our emotional balance.
1. Jaw. Anger and stress cause clenching of the jaw. Try yawning or sighing with an open mouth to release it.
2. Brow. When feeling down or worried we instinctively knit brow. Inhale deeply while closing and squinting your eyes tightly, and then exhale while you release the tension and open your eyes.
3. Neck. If you are constantly looking down at papers or a computer, your neck may be angled in one position for an extended period of time, the cervical area feels the effects. Avoid holding your neck in one position for long periods of time.
4. Shoulders. If you have a sitting desk or work primarily in front of a computer, you are likely not moving your shoulders regularly, which results in tension in the arm and shoulders.
With an inhale, lift your shoulders to your ears. Exhale and draw your shoulders down and back, guiding the shoulder blades towards each other and downwards.
Meditation helps you deal with negative emotions, while improving memory, longevity and social skills.
Try to get enough sleep, so your muscles relax. If you do not sleep enough, your muscles will not have time to recover. Check that your sleeping pose is good for you. Do not check your smartphone before you go to sleep. REM sleep corresponds to selective memorization, so you may want to get enough sleep of other types.
Breaking habits is hard, especially when we are unaware of our activities. Practice mindfulness if you have time for it, otherwise occasionally try to check things you take for granted. You may be surprised by what you find.
