Mind-Body Connection

Mind-body Connection

It would be one thing if we only had to deal with our bodies, but we have to deal with our minds as well. We must renew our minds because whatever controls our minds will dictate the destiny of our lives. If the flesh is in charge, the flesh will determine the quality of life. We cannot leave it to our flesh.

The Apostle Paul says, “Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind that you may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

If your thinking is tainted, your believing will be tainted. If your believing is tainted, your speaking will be tainted. If your speaking is tainted, your actions will be tainted, and if your actions are tainted, your whole life will be tainted.

How can transformation take place? Ezekiel has the answer.

The Bible promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26

What does that tell you? Our emotions are centered in our hearts. Only with the heart you and I can see and think rightly. Therefore, with a new heart, we can see more as God sees. When our hearts are full of God, there is no more room for anything else, but when our hearts are empty, there is room for nothing.

People aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors experience good emotional health. These people have learned healthy ways to cope with the stress and problems that are normal in life. They feel good about themselves and have healthy relationships.

Many things in our lives can disrupt our emotional health. These things can lead to intense feelings of sadness, stress, and anxiety. Even good or wanted changes can be as stressful as unwanted changes.

These changes include;

Being laid off from your job

Having a child leave home or return home

Dealing with the death of a loved one

Getting divorced or married

Suffering an illness or an injury

Getting a promotion

Experiencing money problems

Moving to a new home

Having or adopting a baby

UNICEF coined the words, “The mind is a terrible thing to waste.” Arthur Fletcher, head of the United Negro Fund, updated the slogan by adding, “But a wonderful thing to invest.”

The body responds to the way we think, feel, and act. This is one type of body-mind connection. When you are stressed, anxious, or upset the body reacts in a way that might tell you that something is wrong. For example, you might develop high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer after a particularly stressful event, such as the death of a loved one.

How can you improve your health, then?

1. Express your feelings in appropriate ways.

Keeping the feelings of sadness, anxiety, and stress may cause physical problems. It is okay to let your loved ones know when something is bothering you. Remember the ones you depend on may not always be able to help you deal with your feelings appropriately. In times like these, you need the Mighty Healer, your Maker. He made your body and can fix it for you. Also, you may need outside help – a family doctor, counselor, or religious advisor for support and advice to help you improve your health.

2. Live a balanced life

Focus on things for which you are grateful. Try not to obsess about the problems at work, school, home and the world that may lead to negative feelings. I do not mean you have to pretend to be happy when you are stressed, anxious, or upset. It is crucial to deal with the negative feelings but focus on the positive things in life. You may keep a journal and record things that make you happy and peaceful. Having a positive outlook improves the quality of your life and boosts your health. Find ways to let go of some things in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed. Make time for things you enjoy.

3. Develop resilience – the ability to bounce back

People with resilience can cope with stress healthily. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies – social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change, and keeping things in perspective. You cannot change some things – your height, age, genes, and growing old.

4. Calm your mind and body

Relaxation methods – include meditation, listening to music, taking a walk, stretching, enjoying nature, listening to the sounds around you and practicing deep breathing.

5. Care for yourself

To have good emotional health, it is essential to take care of your body – Eat healthy meals: consider the time you take your meals, how you eat, the quantity of food you eat, and what you have on your plate. Avoid over-eating. Get enough sleep, and exercise to relieve pent-up tension. Don’t abuse drugs or alcohol. Using drugs causes other issues, such as family and health problems.

Poor emotional health can weaken the immune system. This makes you most likely to get colds and other infections during emotionally difficult times. When you are stressed, anxious, or upset, you may not take care of your health as well as you should. You may not feel like exercising, eating nutritious foods, or taking medications your doctor prescribed. You may abuse alcohol, tobacco or other drugs.

Some signs of poor emotional health include:

Back pain

Change in appetite

Chest pain

Constipation or diarrhea

Dry mouth

Extreme tiredness

General aches and pain

Headaches

High blood pressure

Insomnia (trouble sleeping)

Lightheadedness

Shortness of breath

Stiff neck

Sweating

Upset stomach

Weight gain or loss

If your negative feelings do not go away and are so strong that they keep you from enjoying life, it is especially imperative to seek help. Hippocrates once said, “The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well.”