The Mind-Body Connection

The mind-body connection is really not as esoteric as it sounds and its really much simpler than some new age hoo ha.  Simply put, it is the idea that your thoughts affect your physical being and that your body responds to the way you think, feel and act.  We all know that when you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body tries to tell you that something isn’t right. People often develop high blood pressure or a stomach ulcers after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one and there are other signs that your emotional health may be out of balance, such as back pain, change in appetite, chest pain, constipation or diarrhea, dry mouth, extreme tiredness, general aches and pains, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, lightheadedness, palpitations and more.  When your emotional health is weakened, your immune system may also become weakened, making you more likely to get sick during difficult times. Also, you may not take care of your health as well as you should or feel like exercising, eating healthy foods when your mind is stressed.

So what are some other ways to combat emotional stress? Regular physical exercise helps as do yoga and meditation.  If in the midst of a stressful event, first, stop and take a deep breath and turn your focus inward.  Using affirmations on a regular basis can be very helpful and are a way of turning negative self- talk, into positive, life-affirming statements. They are always stated in the present tense— I am, I have, I choose —and they reflect what we wish to experience.  For example: “I feel energetic and healthy,” or “I am relaxed and have plenty of time to do what needs to be done.” At first it may feel silly to state over and over the exact opposite of what you are feeling. But with regular practice, you will notice a change. The world of your thoughts and feelings will be in line with your experience and your mind and body will work to produce an overall more positive result.