Editor’s Note: This article was written by Marina Tsipenyuk

Ever wonder why athletes are generally more healthy than non athletes? Seems like a very obvious answer! Exercising the body is essential for a healthy heart, strong muscles, good coordination…etc…and a healthy mind?

Our culture tends to dichotomize mind and body by their own respective features. The body has its functions and ways to improve through, for example, eating wholesome food and exercising, and the mind improves by understanding greater concepts, reading, and learning.

But isn’t the mind a part of the body? How can we distinguish between one and the other when they work together to produce a whole person? Have you ever seen a mind walking and a body standing still, literally?

If we are to take a holistic approach to health, maybe we can optimize our lives by creating a balance that dismisses this dichotomy in favor of synergy. When we exercise our bodies, we can look at it as though we are exercising our minds as well. Overcoming the belief that we are incapable physically can prepare us for much more difficult challenges.

Our bodies are built to do a lot more, physically, than most people have used them for, much less, imagined. Much of this physicality, however, manifests in the mind. When we are running and our body tells us that it is tired, it is our mind that pushes us forward, unfolding our greatest potential. Endurance is a product of the mind, and the more we are capable of enduring, physically, the greater the mental challenges we are able to face. Think of endurance as empowerment! Pushing ourselves at the gym can allow us to cope with difficult real-life situations, which can range from a bad day at work to an illness or tragedy.

I believe that by changing the way we think about the constitution of the mind and body, we can opt to take care of ourselves better so as to preserve both. So the next time you are exercising, see how much you can push yourself, feel empowered by your abilities, and know that if you can handle that, you can handle anything.

What recommendations do you have for bridging the gap between physical endurance and mental strength?

About Marina Tsipenyuk

Marina Tsipenyuk is a student at Rutgers University studying political science and finance. She is currently involved in a historical research project, co-founded a breast cancer support organization called Bead the Cure, and mentors a women’s studies course. She hopes to go to law school and, eventually, become a lawyer.