The Mind-Body Connection
Since the body and mind are inextricably connected, every time we have a thought, we set off a cascade of cellular reactions in our nervous system that influence all the molecules in our body. Our cells are constantly observing our thoughts and being changed by them.
Of course, this is not to say that all illnesses are “caused” by our thoughts. The relationship between the mind and body is complex, and sometimes things happen at a physical level for which we don’t have a plausible explanation. We have to acknowledge that we may have an inherent tendency for health or imbalance, and in some cases, genetic inheritance is the major factor underlying an illness. At the same time, we have amazing potential to heal and transform ourselves through our thoughts, perceptions, and choices. The body is a magnificent network of intelligence, capable of far more than current medical science can explain.
Maintaining a balance of the mind, body, and soul is necessary to live a happy and fulfilled life. The three are interconnected and a weakness or imbalance in one of these aspects is crippling to the others. For example, severe emotional stress of the mind can cause high blood pressure and other illnesses in an otherwise healthy body. By the same token, a physical illness or injury can cause depression in a usually healthy mind.
Below is a list of simple things to consider incorporating slowly into your healthy routine to help balance your mind, body, and spirit:
Exercise:
Find an exercise you enjoy and start doing it regularly.
Be grateful:
Stop to think about the things you have going for you and appreciate them.
Get plenty of sleep:
Sleep is regenerative for your body. The more sleep you get the better you will perform the next day.
Breathe deeply :
Whenever you think about it stop and take a deep breath. Over time this will become a healthy habit.
Ground yourself :
Literally. Plant your bare feet on the earth as often as possible.
Do more yoga:
Great for the body and mind. MindBodyGreen readers know the importance of this.
Try a Reiki session:
Doing a Reiki session or learning Reiki helps balance your Chakras and grounds you. It brings forth healing, energizes you and helps connect with yourself deeply.
Smile more – It feels great 🙂
Spend more time with loved ones:
In our busy lives we need to make time for the people who matter to us most.
Healthy diet and nutrition :
Health care practitioners will tell you that you have to provide your physical body with high quality fuel if you want it to run properly. Eat a healthy, chemical-free diet high in vital nutrients. Take the herbal and vitamin supplements that will support you in your good health.
Just do it! Exercise :
Exercise is known to help you live a longer and healthier life. The body needs to stay in action and movement. Move it, or lose it!
Mental exercise and stimulation:
A healthy physical body includes a sound and sharp mind. Keep challenging your mind to expand, grow, learn, experience, decipher, and explore. Use it, or lose it!
Get adequate rest :
Get the appropriate amount of uninterrupted sleep you need to engage your REM patterns. REM sleep is your nervous system’s way of healing and refueling your body. Also, if you’re feeling overly sluggish, take a short nap or sit and rest. Chronic sleep and sluggishness problems should be reported to your health care provider.
Live your passion – Do more of what you love.
Meditate:
Not only is meditation simple and fun, it also has been known to reduce your heart rate, reduce your stress level, help you become present in this moment, increase your feelings of peace, serenity, joy, and spiritual faith. This all does the body good!
Drink clean water – Get a filtration system for your drinking water. Fluoride is not good for your body.
Get outdoors more – Go for a hike and enjoy nature.
Eat plenty of greens/ Try a Naturopathy Detox :
Dark leafy greens are rich in vitamins, minerals and chlorophyll. They help alkalize the body.Doing a Naturopathy detox helps increase alkaline PH in your body and gently cleanses the colon, liver and gallbladder. Definitely a ‘must do’ item in your lifestyle.
Wishing you all a very healthy, peaceful and grounded 2015!