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Harnessing Physical Intelligence: A Path to Health, Happiness, and Resilience

In our pursuit of success and fulfillment, we often prioritize mental acuity and emotional intelligence while neglecting a crucial aspect of our well-being: our physical health.


How often have I put off that Workspace Impact Assessment, a morning swim or run, or indulged in chocolate rather than salad. Often it feels like that extra thing that is just too hard to add to my never-ending list of things to ‘get done’. And at the same time, my shoulders and jaw are tense, my posture is increasingly ‘wrong’ and I feel like I am often slumped over my laptop working on the latest ‘thing’ with little time for a proper lunch break, walk or even time away from my screen during the day. 


I’ve recently been reading a book by Claire Dale and Patricia Peyton (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Physical-Intelligence-Harness-untapped-intelligence/dp/147117090X) called Physical Intelligence. They talk about the vital role that treating our bodies well plays in enhancing our overall quality of life. By prioritizing our physical well-being, we can unlock a myriad of benefits that contribute to a healthier, happier, and more resilient existence. But not only that, the book highlights how understanding the intricate interplay between hormones such as endorphins and dopamine, stored up emotions, unhelpful sleep patterns, muscular tensions and exercise can help us better self-regulate and come into balance. This ability to work with our bodies to release stress or anxiety, give it the movement, rest and fuel it needs can make a huge difference – not only to our happiness, resilience and wellbeing, but also to our productivity  and performance.







Understanding Physical Intelligence


Physical Intelligence encompasses the awareness, management, and optimization of our physical health and vitality. It involves nurturing our bodies through proper nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient rest, and stress management techniques. Just as emotional intelligence enables us to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, Physical Intelligence empowers us to tune into our bodies' signals, respond to their needs, and cultivate a harmonious relationship with ourselves.


Dale and Peyton share the latest research and neuroscience alongside practical ‘life hacks’ to be able to detect and influence the chemicals in our body so that they positively support us for peak performance, health and happiness.

We all understand the ‘basics’ of why focusing on our physical wellbeing is so important. It not only improves our physical and mental health, it increases our energy and resilience levels:  


The Benefits of Prioritizing Physical Well-being


  1. Improved Health: Taking care of our bodies reduces the risk of chronic diseases, boosts immunity, and enhances overall physical well-being. Studies have shown that regular exercise and a balanced diet can lower the incidence of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.

  2. Enhanced Mental Health: Physical activity releases endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. Regular exercise has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, while adequate sleep improves cognitive function, mood regulation, and emotional resilience.

  3. Increased Energy and Vitality: Treating our bodies well fuels us with energy and vitality, enabling us to tackle daily challenges with vigor and enthusiasm. Proper nutrition, hydration, and restorative sleep contribute to sustained energy levels throughout the day, enhancing productivity and performance.

  4. Heightened Resilience: Physical fitness strengthens our bodies' ability to withstand stress and adversity, both physically and mentally. Regular exercise enhances cardiovascular health, improves muscular strength and endurance, and boosts immune function, all of which contribute to greater resilience in the face of life's challenges.

But Dale and Peyton take it one step further in their book, by breaking down what chemicals are released when and why – and what we can do to influence this process to our benefit. Whether this is by centering ourselves, changing our breathing or posture, or fuelling our bodies differently. 


There are, of course many well-known practical Steps to improve our Physical Well-being. Most of the below are things we have all heard of and probably tried. And the book, Physical Intelligence talks about these too. Highlighting the link to why these actually work and what happens in our bodies when we exercise, eat and sleep well:


  1. Prioritize Movement: Incorporate regular physical activity into your daily routine, whether it's through structured exercise, active hobbies, or simply taking short breaks to stretch and move throughout the day.

  2. Nourish Your Body: Choose nutrient-dense foods that fuel your body and support optimal health. Focus on incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats into your diet while minimizing processed foods and sugary beverages.

  3. Prioritize Rest and Recovery: Ensure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night to allow your body and mind to rest and rejuvenate. Establish a consistent sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and create a sleep-conducive environment free from distractions.

  4. Manage Stress: Practice stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi to promote relaxation and reduce the harmful effects of chronic stress on your body and mind.


According to the World Health Organization (WHO), physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality, contributing to an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually. Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of developing hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain types of cancer by up to 50%. And at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week is recommended to maintain cardiovascular health.



We all know that prioritising Physical Intelligence is essential for a happy, healthy body and mind. By treating our bodies well through regular exercise, proper nutrition, sufficient rest, and stress management, and understanding more about the interplay between these things and the chemicals in our bodies, we can help ourselves to unlock our full potential and navigate an increasingly demanding world.



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