Description

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An award-winning scientist offers a groundbreaking new understanding of the mind-body connection and its profound impact on everything from advertising to romance.

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 her groundbreaking new book, Sian Beilock, author of the highly acclaimed Choke, which Time magazine praised for its “smart tips...in order to think clearly...and be cool under pressure,” draws on her own cutting-edge research to turn the conventional understanding of the mind upside down in ways that will revolutionize how we live 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. Beilock’s findings are as varied as they are surprising. For example, pacing around the room can enhance creativity; gesturing during a speech can help ensure that you don’t draw a blank; kids learn better when their bodies are part of the learning process; walking in nature boosts concentration skills; Botox users experience less depression; and much more. From the tricks used by advertisers to the ways body language can improve your memory, Beilock explains a wealth of fascinating interconnections between mind and body and how mastering them can make us happier, safer, and more successful.

About the Author

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Sian Beilock, a leading expert on the brain science behind human performance, is a professor in the psychology department at the University of Chicago. She has PhDs in both kinesiology and psychology from Michigan State University, and received an award for Transformative Early Career Contributions from the Association for Psychological Science in 2011.

Praise For…

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"How often do you read a book that is profound and also fun -- or that is full of surprises, but that also gives you that pleasant jolt of immediate recognition? Do a big favor for your body and your mind. Read Beilock's terrific book as soon as you can!"
— Cass R. Sunstein, Robert Walmsley University Professor, Harvard University, and coauthor of Nudge

“How the Body Knows Its Mind is a tour de force that teaches us the revolutionary new science of how our own physical interaction with the world around us strongly influences our ability to learn and perform. I highly recommend it.”
— Michael Lardon M.D., author of Mastering Golfs Mental Game and Finding Your Zone

“How the Body Knows Its Mind has helpful insights for everyone. It is a must-have in your home.”
— Larry King

“How the Body Knows Its Mind is a journey in the direction less traveled: from body to brain, rather than the reverse, illuminating the surprising ways that our physical actions can change our minds. From “laughter yoga” to Botox as a treatment for depression, to the importance of finger dexterity for learning math, Beilock charts a wondrous tour through the mind-body connection.”
— David Epstein, author of The Sports Gene

"Insightful, informative, and beautifully written, How the Body Knows Its Mind is a smart surprise that you won't want to miss!"
— Daniel Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness

“A very interesting and useful book. I recommend it!”
— Carol Dweck, author of Mindset

"How our bodies and minds work in tandem. Wide-ranging, informative and entertaining, especially for parents and educators."
— Kirkus

“Beilock reveals one intriguing secret after another… That Beilock is supercharged with enthusiasm about her topic is evident and infectious.”
— Booklist STARRED review

"Sian Beilock shares the insights of embodied cognition with the rest of us.Through vivid stories and clear explanations, Beilock reveals how our bodies shape our thoughts and actions in surprising and compelling ways. It's rare to find a first-class scientist who is also a first-class writer; Beilock, lucky for us, is both."
— Annie Murphy Paul, author of Origins

"In our quests to be more successful and influential, as well as happier and healthier, nothing has been so overlooked as the way we can use our own bodies and our environments to reach those goals. This book is life-changing. Read it now.”
— Heidi Grant Halvorson, Ph.D., author of Nine Things Successful People Do Differently