Mind and Body Connection: Stress Can Affect Your Health

Ever wonder why you get that unpleasant feeling in your stomach when something bad happens? It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

Being laid off from your job. Dealing with the death of a loved one. Moving into a new home. These are just a few examples of life events that can lead to unbalanced emotional health. Such a state can cause your body to react adversely.

In addition to feeling stressed, sad or anxious, your body’s response to these events can cause serious health problems, such as:

• Stomach ulcers
• High blood pressure
• Insomnia
• Chest pain
• Extreme weight gain or loss
• Back pain

Having poor emotional health can also affect your immune system, which makes you more prone to developing colds and other infections. Another sign of emotional distress is increased use of alcohol or drugs, which makes it more difficult to overcome feelings of sadness, stress or anxiety.

There are many techniques you can adopt in an attempt to improve your emotional health after life’s challenges. They include:

• Expressing your feelings–Talking with support groups, a counselor or a religious advisor can help you improve your emotional status. Keeping your feelings bottled up may only make your situation seem worse.
• Living a balanced life–Deal with negative feelings, but think about positive things in your life as well. Writing in a journal about the positive and negative things in your life may help balance your emotions.
• Calming your mind and body–Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation and yoga help balance the mind and body.

Talk with your physician at Riverview Health about any health problems you experience in overcoming stressful situations. You can discuss coping mechanisms that fit your specific needs and how to achieve balance within your mind and body.

Has it been a while since your last primary care appointment, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0565 to request an appointment.

Source: FamilyDoctor.org