Systems of Your Body 1
As we prepare to return to school in the Northern Hemisphere, we also prepare ourselves for change and, in many cases, disruption to several of the systems we experience, including the systems in our body.
Over the next few months, we will explore our bodies’ systems and share ways to help you and your students maintain optimal system function and support teaching and learning readiness.
When societal systems break down, everyday functions and outcomes also begin to break down. Processes, policies, and protocols must be established to help get things back online.
This is also true for the human body. Each system of the body, working together, is necessary to keep you healthy, balanced, growing, and strong.
At some point, everyone will experience a problem with some aspect of their body. Like a warning indicator in a car, when body systems begin to break down or fail, your body will tell you when you need support and give you the knowledge to help you make educated choices and take action.
Incorporating a regular practice of mindfulness and movement is a great way to keep your body systems healthy and strong!
Mindfulness Activity of the Week
Body Gratitude
There are many ways to practice body gratitude, but the simplest is to pick up a pen and paper and write. What do you write about? Write what you are grateful for about your body, inside and out. As humans, we all share the same systems of the body; however, there is no one else in the world who is just like you. You are unmatched, distinctive, unique, and extraordinary!
Set a timer for 5 minutes. Ready…set…write…gratitude!
Movement Activity of the Week
Mountain
Practice building a solid foundation for change with Mountain.
Mountain pose is the foundation for all of the standing postures. It improves posture, groundedness, stability, and body awareness.
Physically, it helps to improve alignment and balance, which can benefit other poses and daily movements. It also helps to increase height, improves spinal health, strengthens the leg muscles, and gently engages the abdominal muscles.
Mentally, it encourages balance, stillness, and strength, helping to cultivate a sense of being rooted in the present moment. Emotionally, it helps to promote self-confidence, openness, and mental clarity.
