"How our bodies and minds work in tandem. Wide-ranging, informative and entertaining, especially for parents and educators."
How the Body Knows Its Mind
The Surprising Power of the Physical Environment to Influence How You Think and Feel
Description
“Beilock reveals one intriguing secret after another...That Beilock is supercharged with enthusiasm about her topic is evident and infectious” (Booklist, starred review).
The human body is not just a passive device carrying out messages sent by the brain, but rather an integral part of how we think and make decisions. In this groundbreaking book, Sian Beilock, award-winning scientist and author of the highly acclaimed Choke, draws on her own cutting-edge research to turn the conventional understanding of the mind upside down in ways that will revolutionize our lives.
At the heart of How the Body Knows Its Mind is the tantalizing idea that our bodies “hack” our brains. The way we move affects our thoughts, our decisions, and even our preferences for particular products. Called “embodied cognition,” this new science—of which Beilock is a foremost researcher—illuminates the power of the body and its physical surroundings to shape how we think, feel, and behave. For example, pacing around the room can enhance creativity; gesturing during a speech can help ensure you don’t draw a blank; teaching kids through body movement helps them learn better; walking in nature boosts concentration skills; using Botox could lead to less depression; and much more.
“Insightful, informative, and beautifully written” (Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness), How the Body Knows Its Mind unveils a wealth of fascinating mind-body interconnections and explores how mastering them can make us happier, safer, and more successful.
Reviews
“The best kind of psychology book…a fascinating rompthrough a new field that body and mind are inextricably intertwined. Best ofall is the scientifically grounded advice on everything from helping kids learnbetter to becoming a happier person. This book will expand your mind and makeyour life better."
"Through vivid stories and clear explanations,Beilock reveals how our bodies shape our thoughts and actions in surprising andcompelling ways. It's rare to find a first-class scientist who is also afirst-class writer; Beilock, lucky for us, is both."
“How the Body Knows Its Mind is a journey inthe direction less traveled: from body to brain, rather than the reverse,illuminating the surprising ways that our physical actions can change ourminds. From “laughter yoga” to Botox as a treatment for depression, to theimportance of finger dexterity for learning math, Beilock charts a wondroustour through the mind-body connection.”
