There is a growing amount of research on the effect of stress on our minds. But, how is this fesible? What physical channels are there that can possibly link the mind and the body?
Direct links between the mind and body include the nerves & biochemical compounds [ hormones, neurotransmitters, etc. ]
Emotions can indirectly affect our physical bodies as well. Oftentimes, how we feel affects the way we behave, sleep, communicate – whether we turn to or away from healthy foods, exercise, and sleep.
Over the long-run, these habits and behaviors can take a toll on our physical health. These work in the other direction as well, whereby after we eat, exercise, and/ or sleep, we feel different emotions than we did beforehand.
Think about what you do when you’re feeling stressed or sad. Do you turn to [ and devour ] sweets and maybe skip your workout, for example? It’s also possible that you lose your appetite during times of stress. Do you find it easier to stay on track with your food choices and exercise routine when you’re happy and content? These are examples of the mind-body connection too.
SO YOU MIGHT ASK, WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
Mind- Body practices for optimum health:
There are many practices we can take on to help foster calmer minds, inner peace, and lead to a higher level of physical health & wellness.
These include:
* Mindfullness meditation
* Yoga
* Tai chi
* Acupunture
* Massage therapy
“ Meditation is a process of lightening up, of trusting the basic goodness of what we have and who we are, and of realizing that any wisdom that exists, exists in what we already have.
“We can lead our life so as to become more awake to who we are and what we’re doing rather than trying to improve or change or get rid of who we are or what we’re doing. The key is to wake up, to become more alert, more inquisitive and curious about ourselves “ – Pema Chodron
CONCLUSION:
The way you think and feel can help to feed health or disease. Your thoughts, beliefs, and emoitons can affect your body directly. There are many different mind-body practices including , mindfullness, meditation yoga, tai-chi, acupuncture, and massage therapy.
So, tell me, what can you start implementing today?