Have you ever had to do something that made you nervous–speak in front of a large audience, ask your boss for a raise, talk to your crush? If you did, you probably had some physical symptoms. Maybe your heart rate increased, your hands started shaking, or you began to sweat. That is one way the mind-body connection affects us.
Many people think of the mind as equal to the brain. Of course, the brain is the command center of the body, it regulates body functions and cognition. But the brain and the mind are not exactly the same.
The mind includes thoughts, images, and beliefs, our mental states. The brain is what allows us to have these thoughts, images, and beliefs. Mental states affect the body in positive and negative ways. Anxiety can cause the body to produce stress hormones like cortisol while joy can lead to a release of dopamine and serotonin.
So what is this connection?
It is this–that our thoughts, feelings, and attitudes can affect our physical well-being. Conversely, what we do with our physical bodies can affect our minds, too; think of the effects of exercise, what you eat, and how much sleep you get. Clearly, the mind and the body depend on each other.
Until the 17th century, medicine treated the body and mind as one. After that time, the Western world began to see the body and mind as distinct and separate. This allowed for a lot of advances but also some drawbacks. For one, it did not consider the impact of emotions and stress on physical health.
Effects of stress and negative thoughts
Stress hormones have a useful function, getting us out of dangerous situations with a quick boost of energy. Our ancestors needed this to escape; today, our bodies still produce stress hormones even when it is not a situation that requires escaping.
For years, scientists have studied how emotions affect the body; now they are also studying the relationship between mental states and how they influence health. One study found that stress can reduce the body’s ability to fight infection. Too much stress hormone can also lead to digestive problems, high blood pressure, and ulcers.
If you suffer from chronic disease, or if your physician has suggested making some healthy changes, you know what you need to do. You need to create healthy habits. Your ability to create these habits is based on your mindset and beliefs. If you think you can’t do it, or you believe you are destined for a certain outcome based on family history, you can hold yourself back from becoming healthy.
Improving Your Health
A study of breast cancer survivors found that women who engaged in meditation or support groups had a greater quality of life and greater longevity than those who received traditional medical care alone.
Here are some tips to help you improve your ideas and beliefs to have a positive impact on your health:
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Learn to recognize your emotional state and its source
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Learn to express your emotions in an appropriate way
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Establish a gratitude practice; showing gratitude improves your mental health
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Use guided images and visualization to imagine the situation finished in a positive way
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Practice yoga which can help activate your body’s relaxation response
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Meditate
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Consider alternative therapies like acupuncture
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Consult with a holistic practitioner to create a plan
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Give yourself grace and reduce negative self-talk
In conclusion, pay attention to your emotional and physical state. You can slip into unhealthy habits without realizing it. Remember that your body and mind work together; it is vital to keep both healthy and positive.