The Mind-Body Connection
By Mary Skobieranda
With the increased awareness surrounding the importance of mental health, many of us now recognize that our health is multidimensional and made up of many different components. However, one aspect of this which can sometimes fall to the wayside is the ways in which our mental health can manifest itself physically. The connections between the mind and the body only make it more essential to take care of both, in order to facilitate a healthy and beneficial relationship between the two!
Although it is incredibly important for physical health, exercising and healthy eating has great benefits for the mind. The physical habits we practice in our lifestyle can have a large impact on our mental wellbeing. For example, physical activity, in any form, is known to improve moods and decrease stress. Whole and natural foods, by providing energy and controlling stress and anxiety, can make you feel better on a daily basis. Additionally, just like hydration is important for your biological functioning, getting enough water will also help with lack of energy and mood regulation.
Research increasingly points to an equally strong and crucial connection with how our mental wellbeing can manifest itself within the body. Dr. James Gordon, founder of the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, says, “The brain and peripheral nervous system, the endocrine and immune systems, and indeed, all the organs of our body and all the emotional responses we have, share a common chemical language and are constantly communicating with one another.” We tend to think of the mind and body as separate entities, when in fact they have tons of complex connections. Have you ever felt stomach pain over a really stressful problem in your life? That is just one example of your emotions impacting your body’s response. When your body senses stress, it can release hormones which tense muscles and heighten blood pressure.
This integration helps us understand why practices such as yoga and meditation are so beneficial to many. It is important to see these integrated aspects of health as allies, or joint forces, united in striving for your wellbeing. If you find yourself feeling the physical effects of your stress after a long week, try turning to practices like these which can calm you, improve the management of this stress, and release beneficial chemicals for your well-being. When feeling worn down, taking good care of yourself both physically and mentally will always be a holistically helpful choice.
