It’s Your Thoughts That Count

For many years I’ve been fascinated by the powerful connection between our mind and body and how our thoughts, feelings and beliefs can affect our lives. I’ve practiced and experienced the benefits of having a positive and optimistic outlook with amazing results. Yes, it’s your thoughts that count.

In recent times scientists have become more interested in the mind/body connection and more clinical studies are being undertaken. In the science world this is referred to as Psychoneuroimmunology (or PNI). PNI examines how a person’s mental and emotional states interact with the endocrine, immune and nervous systems and how that interaction affects the body.

Studies (see notes 1,2,3) have shown that your body responds to the way you think, feel and act. When you are stressed, anxious or upset, your body lets you know that something is wrong. For example, you might develop high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer after a particularly stressful event, such as the loss of a job.

A positive state of mind can have the opposite effect, such as boosting the immune system to help prevent or reduce symptoms and help recovery. Positive emotions help serotonin levels rise, which help us to feel more upbeat and calm. They also help cortisol levels drop making us less stressed, less subject to cravings and less prone to premature aging.

Speak to your Doctor first

If you are experiencing health problems you should talk with your doctor to ensure that an underlying health problem isn’t causing your physical symptoms. If there is an underlying issue the doctor will prescribe treatment, which may include addressing the emotional aspects. If an underlying health problem isn’t causing your symptoms, you can focus on addressing the emotional causes of your symptoms. 

Some of the signs that might indicate emotional health is out of balance include:

  • IBS
  • Back pain
  • Change in appetite
  • Chest pain
  • Extreme tiredness
  • General aches and pains
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
  • Sexual problems
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis
  • Weakened immune system, resulting in colds and other infections

In addition, when you are stressed, anxious or upset you may be inclined to stop exercising and turn to comfort food rather that eating nutritious foods, which may make the matter worse. Abuse of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs may be a sign of poor emotional health

Mind-body medicine

Mind/body treatments are those that may promote good health by creating positive feelings include relaxation, hypnotherapy, visualisation, meditation, mindfulness and yoga.

The power of suggestion, mental imagery and relaxation techniques can help manage and provide some relief to people suffering degenerative diseases such as Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Hypnotherapy, relaxation training, meditation and cognitive behavioural therapy have all been shown to help alleviate symptoms of IBS and chronic pain conditions.

How can you improve your emotional health?

Take care of your body

Develop a regular routine for eating healthy balanced meals, getting enough sleep and exercising to relieve pent-up tension.

Avoid overeating and don’t abuse drugs or alcohol.

Take care of your mind

Try some relaxation methods such as meditation, mindfulness, yoga, self-hypnosis. These are useful techniques to bring your emotions into balance.

Having a positive outlook can improve your quality of life and give your health a boost. Keeping a daily gratitude journal in which you list all the good things in your day can be a very uplifting exercise.

Commit to work/life balance

Keep things in perspective. We all have problems to deal with but obsessing about them leads to negative feelings. It’s important to deal the problems and the negative feelings they cause, but try to focus on the positive things in your life too.

Find a way to ensure work doesn’t take over your life. Make time for your life outside work: Family, friends, fitness, hobbies etc. Otherwise you will burn out and all aspects of your life will suffer.

You may also need to review and where possible, let go of commitments in your life that make you feel stressed and overwhelmed in order to make more time for things you enjoy.

Express your feelings in appropriate ways

Try to share how you are feeling with someone who can help you. It may be the person who’s behaviour you are responding to. Addressing this may help you resolve the cause of the negative feelings.

Alternatively it could be a friend or family member or someone experienced at helping people work through stress, sadness, anxiety etc. This could be your Doctor or a therapist or counselor who can support you in improving your mental health.

Releasing emotional pain by talking with someone or having therapy creates space to dwell on positive, appreciative thoughts and feelings.

The mind is very powerful and having a positive outlook, managing emotions and stress and keeping things in perspective will help your mental and physical health.

If you would like to find out more about the mind/body connection and how mind/body medicine can help you, please contact me to discuss further.

  1. Debnath M, Doyle KM, Langan C, McDonald C, Leonard B and Cannon DM (2011) Recent
advances in psychoneuroimmunology: Inflammation in psychiatric disorders. Translational Neuroscience. 2(2): 121-137
  1. Kiecolt-Glaser, Jk; et al. Psychoneuroimmunology: Psychological influences on immune function and health. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. US, 70, 3, 537-547, (2002)
  1. “It’s the thought that counts” by Dr R Hamilton PhD , published by Hay House. This book discusses the mind/body connection and provides extensive supporting evidence.