January is a month of the year that is usually known to be a “reset” for most people. After rushing around for the holidays, no matter what you celebrate, it can tend to be a bit overwhelming. This is why the beginning of the year is the ideal time to recharge and reset.

International Mind-Body Wellness Day, celebrated on January 3rd, was created for this purpose. Not only to learn more about the mind-body connection, but according to National Today, as an “opportunity to celebrate how a healthy mind and emotions can lead to a healthy body.”

This means that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can positively or negatively affect our biological functioning. In other words, our minds can affect how healthy our bodies are!

Mind-body therapies are a group of healing techniques that enhance the mind’s interactions with bodily function, to induce relaxation and to improve overall health and well-being. Daily practice is essential for deriving benefit from these therapies, which have become increasingly popular over the last two decades.

A growing body of research indicates that mind-body therapies are safe and effective ways of mitigating physical and emotional symptoms and improving coping skills. These practices are pleasant, noninvasive, and beneficial.

Mind-body therapies include Tai Chi, Hypnosis, Creative therapies, aromatherapy, music therapy, meditation, yoga

A good night’s sleep is especially important as restful sleep can help reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and prevent extreme daytime exhaustion the next day.

Some ways to create balance include eating (mostly) healthy, staying hydrated, and getting some form of exercise daily (that you enjoy). It’s also important to listen to both your body and mind and to find what works best for you.