You’ve probably heard that the mind is a powerful thing. That’s because the mind and the body are intertwined, often affecting one another. Your mental health can affect your physical health and vice versa. Although we still don’t understand everything about the mind-body connection, there are a few things we can share.
Our Bodies React to How We Think
Have you wondered why bad things seem to happen when you’re in a bad mood? It’s because your thoughts and emotions at the time impact your body. In other words, if you have negative, self-destructive thoughts, your body reflects those thoughts. On the other hand, if you choose to think positively, your body will likely reflect those thoughts.
We Can Control Our Health
Studies have shown that how we handle stress can correlate to our overall health and how we deal with serious illnesses. Chronic stress can significantly affect our bodies and make us susceptible to illnesses such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Heart disease
- Infections
On the other hand, positive-thinking individuals are generally better able to control stress and reduce their likelihood of developing serious health conditions.
Sleep is Essential for Maintaining the Mind-Body Connection
Sleep plays a major role in maintaining the mind-body connection. The serotonin our bodies produce is closely tied to how we expend energy. Without sleep, our brains suffer from low serotonin levels, leaving us more susceptible to injury or illness. That’s why it’s important to maintain a regular sleep schedule. A healthy sleep pattern means healthy levels of serotonin, more sleep, and a healthy mind-body connection.
Meditation Can Help
Mediation can help tremendously. Not only does it relax you, but meditation has been shown to help with the mind-heart connection. The good news is that you don’t need to meditate for several hours to enjoy its benefits. You can start with five minutes of meditation a day, slowly increasing your meditation practice every day. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, take a few moments to intentionally breathe as deep breathing feels similar to meditation.
Gain a Better Understanding of the Mind-Body Connection
Did you know that a licensed VA professional massage therapist can help you better understand the mind-body connection? Kathy’s extensive knowledge of the body and mind makes her your go-to person for more information. Call us today to learn more or to schedule your therapeutic massage.
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