Although we experience health through our bodies, our health is actually intimately connected to what’s going on in our minds.

Modern science continues to reveal how our emotions affect our bodies. They work as one unit.

We actually experience emotions such as anger, fear, sadness and stress as unpleasant bodily symptoms. However, most of the time our minds are so busy and off somewhere in our past or future thoughts that we are not paying attention when our bodies alert us to these symptoms.

In other words, we don’t recognize the connection because we are not listening.

Learning to listen can begin with something as simple as noticing what happens when you feel overwhelmed. Do your shoulders tighten? Does your jaw clench? Does your stomach become unsettled? These small changes are easy to overlook when you are busy, but recognizing them gives you an opportunity to pause and respond before tension becomes a regular part of your day.

But that doesn’t make it any less real. Although it seems like a new discovery, the connection between mind and body is actually not new at all. Traditional healing practices have recognized the relationship between emotional wellbeing and physical health for centuries.

Ongoing emotional stress can interfere with healthy immune function. A weakened immune system can leave us more vulnerable to infection and illness. Chronic stress can also affect appetite, sleep and the daily habits that influence our weight.

Our bodies are equipped to respond to stressful situations, but they also need time to recover. When one worry follows another and we never give ourselves a chance to settle down, that tension can begin to feel normal. Being accustomed to stress does not mean it is doing us any favors. It means we may need to become more deliberate about making room for rest.

Emotional Balance –

When our emotional health is out of balance we may experience one or more of these symptoms: (this is just the short list)

Change in appetite
Headaches
Insomnia
Stiff neck
Upset stomach
Sweating
Weight loss or weight gain
High blood pressure
Dry mouth
Tiredness
Chest pain
Back pain
Digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea

NOTE: These symptoms can have other causes too, so don’t automatically assume that stress is responsible. Persistent or unexplained symptoms deserve medical attention. New or severe chest pain needs urgent medical assessment.

Experienced over an extended length of time, chronic emotional stress can:

Interfere with our healthy immune system and make us more vulnerable to infections.

Make blood sugar management more difficult for people with diabetes.

Disrupt sleep and leave us feeling exhausted.

Encourage overeating and other habits that contribute to weight gain.

Affect sexual wellbeing.

Contribute to high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

We don’t exercise or eat nutritionally when we’re wrapped up in our emotions.When  we’re anxious or upset we generally don’t take care of our health the way we should.  For many people, emotions can trigger “junk food eating,”  or a turn to alcohol, tobacco or drugs to cope.

Prepare Ahead of Time –

Having a few simple routines in place can make a huge difference.

Keeping nourishing foods readitly available, setting aside time for movement and maintaining regular bedtime routines gives you something steady to return to when life feels unsettled. These are the habits that help you care for yourself even on difficult days.

Flexing the muscles in your mind as well as your body is the path to lasting health and vitality. Physical exercise and some form of meditation or relaxation practice are practical places to begin.

Even a short period of physical activity can help improve your mood. A nice walk does wonders for the mind and can complement the resistance training or strength training you do to maintain your muscle tissue and your health.

Make regular movement part of your routine, and adjust the intensity to suit your abilities and how you feel.

Relaxation Methods –

Doing some form of exercise, getting adequate sleep and making time for relaxation can help relieve accumulated tension and support a healthier mental outlook.

Meditation has proven to be a huge aide in calming the mind and bringing emotions into balance. Yoga is another proven tool that has been used for generations that combines movement with focused attention.

Gentle, comfortable breathing is another healthy choice that helps slow one down and release tension.

You don’t need to sit for an hour or completely empty your mind to get started.

Try sitting for a few minutes, your feet resting on the floor and your attention on your breathing. Thoughts will wonder and when they do, simply bring your attention back to center or to your breathing. The idea is to provide yourself a little breathing room rather than following every worry wherever it wants to take you. The more you pratice, the quieter your mind becomes and the more in control you feel. When developed, this control doesn’t just stay in the short meditation you’re doing, but becomes the strength you call on when you are not actively meditating.

Sleep deserves particular attention because lack of sleep contributes to many emotional states and feeling tired can make everyday frustrations harder to handle.

Evening is your cue to wind down land leave the busiest part of your day behind you. A quiet routine, less screen time and a consistent bedtime can help create better conditions for restful sleep.

Bottom line: Your mind and body work as a team. Caring for your emotional wellbeing is part of caring for your physical health. Give yourself regular opportunities to move, rest and relax, and make these habits part of your everyday life.

Understand that anger, sadness and worry are normal human emotions. Finding healthy ways to work through them is key. This might mean chatting with someone you trust, asking for practical help or seeking professional support. All these are valuable additions to the healthy habits you practice on your own.

Cancer is a serious disease, informed choices are aides that can help reduce the risk of some cancers. However, regular medical care and recommended screenings are a must and belong alongside those daily choices for a complete health care program.

Take time for you!

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