Mind-Body Connection: How Mental Health Affects Our Physical Well-Being
What is the mind-body connection? Does mental health really play a role in our physical well-being? You may be surprised just how closely connected our minds and bodies really are.
In our modern world, we have performed miraculous feats with the help of Western medicine, but mental health has largely been left out of that equation.
One important reason for this was the classic belief that the body and mind were separate entities. But research conducted over the last decade has shown that mental and physical health are much more closely connected than we thought. This new research may open up new ways of looking at our health, such as incorporating mindfulness practices like yoga and meditation, for a well-rounded, whole-person approach.
How Do We Honor the Mind-Body Connection?
Our physical and mental health is closely intertwined, and science is showing us that we can affect our emotional health much in the same way we affect our physical health—through positive lifestyle choices. But what do those choices look like?
Here are some ways to enhance your emotional well-being, which, in turn, can enhance your physical and overall well-being.
Practice Yoga
Yoga is a great way to marry the body and mind together in one practice. Yoga allows you to slow down, stretch, strengthen, and meditate all at the same time.
Yoga focuses on the breath, poses, and meditation, and can help you reduce stress, lower your heart rate, improve physical performance, and manage chronic illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure.
There are many different styles of yoga, so find the one that’s right for you. Jump on YouTube to find thousands of free yoga classes for all levels, or join a local yoga studio or MeetUp group to start your practice and meet new people at the same time.
Practice mindfulnessÂ
Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind. It is a great way to reduce stress and is designed to help you focus on the emotions you are feeling in the moment without judgment or interpretation.
Mindfulness can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression and interact more meaningfully with the world around you.
There are many ways to practice mindfulness, including body scan meditation, sitting meditation, and walking meditation. Focusing on your breath, living in the moment, and accepting yourself are all ways to practice mindfulness.
CBD and wellness
Anxiety disorders affect more than 18% of American adults ages 18 and older, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) says CBD has shown promise with anxiety disorders, leading many people who live with these conditions to become interested in this natural approach.
CBD assists with calming the nervous system and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) says it has been shown to reduce stress.
Anxiety Disorders That CBD May Help Treat:
- Generalized Anxiety
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Before you use a CBD product, talk with a healthcare professional to discuss appropriate dosing and any other questions you may have.
If you do decide to use a CBD product, choose one that has been third-party tested for quality and purity. View Blue Botanicals lab results here.