---
title: Physical Activity (archived)
url: https://mbmi.org/archive/mind-body-basics/physical-activity
description: The Physical Activity introduction archived from mbmi.org: why the institute treated the body as equal to the mind in the mind/body connection.
original_author: Mind/Body Medical Institute (later Benson-Henry Institute)
archived_at: https://web.archive.org/web/20090303174430/http://www.mbmi.org/basics/whatis_pactivity.asp
---
# Physical Activity (archived)

A short page on how posture, movement and awareness of the body feed back into mood and stress.

- Original author: Mind/Body Medical Institute (later Benson-Henry Institute)
- Original URL: http://www.mbmi.org/basics/whatis_pactivity.asp
- Captured: 2006-09-03 to 2009-03-03 (19 snapshots)
- Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20090303174430/http://www.mbmi.org/basics/whatis_pactivity.asp
- Current guide: https://mbmi.org/mind-body-basics/exercise

## What this page said

The page argued that the body is as important as the mind in the mind/body connection, since changes in the body can shape thoughts, feelings and body chemistry, and invited readers to try smiling for a few seconds to see mood change with posture of the face.

It listed three benefits that its programs drew from body awareness, stretching, yoga and exercise: recognising muscle tension as a sign of stress, easing pain and eliciting the relaxation response with yoga and stretching, and helping with weight and physical and emotional health through daily exercise.

## Key points from the original

- Body and mind influence each other.
- Noticing muscle tension is an early stress signal.
- Yoga, stretching and daily exercise were part of every program.

This is a historical record, not medical advice.