top of page
Geri Robertson, RC

Mind-Body Connection



Our minds are incredibly powerful tools, capable of being our greatest allies or our worst enemies. What we think can significantly impact who we become. It's well-documented that illness can often be linked to our thoughts and beliefs. Additionally, prolonged stress can weaken our immune systems.


Unresolved stress or traumatic experiences can settle in our bodies and cause serious harm. I attended a talk by Gabor Mate where he shared a story about a woman with a frozen face, unable to express her emotions. After assessing her, he discovered she had difficulty expressing her feelings in any meaningful way, likely due to a lack of emotional validation from a young age.


Through therapy, primarily focused on listening to her express her suppressed emotions, the woman experienced a change in her facial muscles. She was eventually able to smile and frown, demonstrating the physical impact, releasing her pent-up emotions.


In my experience, I've observed that many physically ill individuals are also emotionally troubled. A young woman I encountered, who experienced deep shame in her early life, developed hypochondria. Despite numerous physical diagnoses and treatments, she couldn't find relief because her underlying issue was mental health. Once her mental health was addressed, her physical symptoms began to subside.


Our thoughts can significantly affect our physical well-being. When left unchecked, negative thoughts can have a detrimental impact on our health. One of the most well-documented ways in which our minds can affect our bodies is through stress. When we experience chronic stress, our bodies release stress hormones like cortisol. Over time, elevated cortisol levels can lead to a variety of health problems. We may underestimate the power of our minds and believe everything we think, as we often aren't taught to question our thoughts from a young age. Fortunately, the mind-body connection also works in our favor. Positive attitude and a positive mindset can have a profound impact on our physical health. 


Mindfulness is a valuable tool for those who struggle with negative thinking. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment, observing your thoughts objectively, and questioning negative thought patterns. This practice can help clear your mind of negative thoughts and reduce their harmful effects on your body.


Understanding the mind-body connection is crucial for achieving better mental and physical health. By delving deeper into ourselves and practicing mindfulness, we can recognize that our thoughts are not always reality and take steps to improve our well-being.


6 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page