Embodied Cognition: Meshing Mind Body, and Environment

The Problem

The mental health of the younger generations is slowly declining. Millennials have higher rates of depression than other generations because of longer work hours, stagnant wages, and to make matters worse, the world is in the midst of a global pandemic and in America, politically upset. If not treated, millennials could see a 40% increase to mortality rates compared to Gen X (Hoffower & Akhtar, 2020). According to the American Psychological Association Gen Z adults score higher in stress than any other generation (Gander, 2020). For similar reasons as millennials, Gen Z is having trouble picturing and planning for a future in current conditions. Common and easily neglectable philosophical beliefs about the connection between body and mind are a part of the issue, but may also lead to a solution. It may be surprising but many people believe that there is a separation between the mind and the body, which is shown in the way people act. For example, many work inside on computers all day ignoring the body's needs. Embedded within our culture is the belief that what we think and feel has no impact on the state of our bodies.

How can we tackle this issue?

Mind and body are integrally connected and by understanding this connection we open the door to new ways to improve our holistic health. For the younger generations mental health is more openly talked about, however it is common that outdated or incorrect psychological concepts are used. It is important the empirically based knowledge is utilized in this process so that we can avoid antagonizing this issue. The idea that the body and mind are connected isn't new, only in recent history have we strayed from this way of thinking to a more dichotomous one. We know that having shifts in the environment can change the way we process information and this, in turn, reflects on our knowledge base about ourselves (Conway & Pleydell-Pearce, 2000). We know that stressful environments not only affect memory but also affect the chemical balance which causes changes in mood, anxiety and encourages inflammation (Protect your brain from stress, 2021). We also know that the way we frame stress in our minds can either benefit the body or harm it (Tocino-Smith, 2020). We have a wealth of knowledge about this connection that can be used to combat the issue of stress in our society among younger generations. Through this workbook this issue is addressed with reliable information to those who are looking to better their knowledge through a cognitive lens in order to support a healthy mind, body, and spirit holistically (Diamond, 2014). It is imperative that we find ways to cope with our stress now more than ever.

The Embodied Cognition e-book accompanied by the sheets is designed to give a starting point for people who are trying to overcome distress in their lives in build eustressful, self enhancing cycles and restore their minds, bodies and environments. Changing a mindset is a journey and will take some time. I hope this provides enough support to start you on your way!

Stress and Embodied Cognition: Meshing the Mind, Body, and Environment E-book:

stressandembodiedcog.pressbooks.com/

Stress and Embodied Cognition Workbook below. Download and print for personal use:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j69im1TcZATvlPFjWm24F_mOM-J7O4Ze/view?usp=sharing

Stress and Embodied Cognition Workbook.pdf