Whether you currently realize it or not you already have a mind and body connection. That means your mental wellness affects your physical health. If you’ve ever experienced physical symptoms of stress such as a sick stomach or a stiff neck, then this is an example of the mind and body connection.
Sadly, that is a negative example. The good news is that when you’re aware of this connection you’re in a better position to create a positive relationship between the influence of your mind on your body and vice versa. In this article, we’re going to help you understand this connection more clearly, and make it work for you rather than against you.
What Does the Science Say?
Researchers have found positive changes at a genetic level in cancer patients that practice mindfulness meditation. Those changes are associated with a stronger degree of protection against disease.
Imaging scientists have seen that patients who undergo therapy to adjust their thinking so they are more balanced, demonstrate changes in their brain scans. This suggests that if you change your thinking, advantageous physiological changes take place in the brain. More and more is being discovered all the time that supports the importance of the mind-body connection.
Beat the Silent Killer
Stress has been called the silent killer. A normal degree of stress is natural and even helpful. However, when that stress becomes sustained then it causes the body to remain in a heightened state.
This causes an increase in blood pressure and stress hormones. The result can be headaches and other body pains. It also reduces the body’s ability to fight disease and cancer cells.
Nearly every major system of the body can be negatively affected by stress. Heart disease, diabetes, and sleep disorders are all associated with stress triggers in some people.
The multitude of negative effects on the body arises from the way the brain copes with stressful situations. This emphasizes how important it is to take control of your mind-body connection and bring yourself back into a relaxed and balanced state.
Mind and Body Connection Tools
Many tools help you to do that. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise, Yoga, counseling, positive friendships, hobbies, and even online Tai Chi classes are all excellent ways to slow down and positively reconnect the mind and body.
The key is to stimulate the right hormones in your brain and to produce a sense of relief and relaxation. In turn, this produces better quality sleep and a positive cycle between mind and body is established for mutual benefit.
Stay Positively Connected
In this article, you’ve read about the importance of the mind and body connection. Knowing how to relax the mind and body has to be taught to many people. This is because they fall into a negative cycle of stress and associated health problems.
This article should motivate you to take action and create a positive mind and body connection. You’ll be healthier, live longer, and be happier.
You can check out other wellness-related articles that are trending on our site.
