Wellness in Sync: Understanding the Body-Mind Connection

The phrase “being healthy” or “wanting to be healthier” is something modern people constantly say. For many who experience frequent fatigue, the concept of health holds great value. But what does it mean to be healthy? Is it having well-developed muscles or a problem-free mind? In a time when various supplements and workout routines flood the media, it’s important to explore the reasons for striving for health and the connection between body and mind, drawing from Eastern philosophy on life.

In traditional Korean medicine, which has roots in Eastern thought and continues to influence modern practices, life is explained through the concepts of jeong, gi, and shin — body, energy, and mind. This implies that a person is composed of the physical body, spirit, and energy. The body is the home, and the mind is the master. Therefore, it is the duty of the mind to protect and care for the body. As one lives and maintains life, how we manage the mind and utilize our energy is an individual responsibility. The human body, filled up with life energy, constantly strives to remain balanced. Thus, any fatigue or pain we feel can be seen as the body’s way of communicating. We must listen closely to the signals and language of our bodies.
What does it mean to be healthy? In Professor Son In-chul’s book, Why Some Live Long While Others Die Young, he explains that one of the foundational theories in Korea is the theory of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements. Each person possesses characteristics related to wood, fire, earth, metal, or water, meaning some people are naturally strong in certain energies while others are not. It is not about what is better or worse; rather, it is about recognizing and accepting your own nature. Son emphasizes that true health comes when we learn to love ourselves. When we acknowledge our worth, happiness, and health naturally follow.
 One of the biggest issues for modern people is the tendency to imitate others. We may try to absorb others’ traits without fully understanding ourselves, like a half-full sponge trying to soak up even more. This can leave our bodies and minds overwhelmed. While having a role model can help pave the way for growth, it can also lead to endless copying, pressing Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V in our lives without much thought. In a Korean talk show, astronomer Shim Chae-kyung shared her thoughts on self-love: “As long as the center of mass in a celestial body is within itself, it remains stable; if the center is outside, the system becomes perturbed.” We need to see ourselves clearly and develop a variety of perspectives to control the factors that hinder our growth.

If we start with a balanced mind, taking care of the body also becomes a crucial value in health. One popular approach to maintaining physical health is the “slow-aging diet.” As a contrast to fast food and processed meals, this diet, which has been trending across social media, focuses on slowing the aging process by reducing simple sugars and refined grains and including low-glycemic foods like whole grains, vegetables, and beans. Experts warn that the widespread delivery culture and Westernized eating habits in Korea are disrupting blood sugar regulation, leading to obesity and chronic illnesses, as well as increasing the risk of severe diseases like cancer and cardiovascular disorders.

According to the Korea Health Promotion Institute (KHEPI), in the past decade, diabetes and hypertension rates have risen the fastest among those in their 20s and 30s. In 2023, the number of  diabetic patients in this age group reached 131,846, a 74% increase from 2012. Hypertension patients also rose by 45%, from 154,160 to 214,243. Experts warn of the risk of “accelerated aging,” where the biological age of millennials and Gen Z is advancing faster than their actual age. Simply put, the current generation is aging more rapidly than their parents’ generation.

However, addressing this issue is not just about willpower. In today’s world, with longer working hours and extended commutes, people naturally seek quick sources of dopamine to recharge, leading them to prefer digital pleasures over activities like exercise. This is one reason why many fall into digital addiction, prompting the need for a “digital detox.”

Yet, we can’t overlook the importance of embracing practices that bring us closer to a healthier life. Incorporating elements of the slow-aging diet, even if not perfectly, is a step forward. Experts suggest that, instead of maintaining an extreme diet or feeling guilty for eating fast food, people should try to balance their meals and gradually move toward healthier choices.

Another key habit is having breakfast. According to data from the Korea Health Promotion Institute, the percentage of people who skipped breakfast increased from 19.9% to 27.6% between 2005 and 2017, while breakfast energy intake dropped from 21.2% to 15.9%. Skipping breakfast means missing out on opportunities to improve cognitive function, prevent obesity, and consume essential nutrients. A light breakfast before work or school can serve as a “battery” to energize the day.
To be healthy in both body and mind means ensuring that the mind, as the master, maintains and strengthens the body, the home. A healthy body provides a stable foundation for a calm and focused mind, while a healthy mind supports and cares for the body. With small actions, efforts, and challenges, we can continue to build a stronger connection between our body and mind, contributing to a healthier self, society, and future.