Mind-Body Connection.
If you found this blog post by Googling “Why do I have a headache” or, “I have a pain radiating down my shoulder, but my doctor says there is nothing wrong with me”, then you’re about to dive into a little rabbit hole I like to call the mind/body connection. I know, you've heard it before. "Your feelings affect your physical health," they say. "Your body affects your mental state," they preach. But let's be real, sometimes that just sounds like a fancy way of saying, "Eat your vegetables and stop doomscrolling."
But here's the thing: it's actually true! And as your over-caffeinated licensed therapist (just kidding please seek actual live support from a therapist. If you are in the Paoli area or virtually in PA that could be me! If not consult live support in your area for your specific needs) I am here to break down how the mind and body work with one another. After reading this, hopefully, a little more harmoniously.
Case A: The Raising Heart
Let’s say you at times notice your heart racing, but can’t seem to find a connection to your exertion. Your brain may tell you “Alert! You are having an episode with your heart, this doesn’t make sense. PANIC!” This comes and goes and while distressing, your life is busy! You are studying for that exam with that professor you think doesn’t like you, have to navigate that traffic jam to get to your kids lacrosse game, or prepare for that presentation with your boss at the end of the week. So you continue on, feeling the distress every time you notice your heart flutter.
You go to the doctor and get a workup. They tell you your heart is fine. You leave feeling frustrated with no “answer”. This is a win! It’s a gift of positive physical health. Now let's take a look at your life…Are you carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders? Are you stressed about that presentation next week? Are you subconsciously bracing for impact every time you check your email? Your muscles are like tiny, overzealous bodyguards, tensing up to protect you from perceived threats. And let's be honest, most of those threats are just emails about sales from that store you bought that dress from 4 years ago. Unsubscribe!
Case Study B: The “Who’s Afraid Of Little Old Me”
We've all been there. You skip lunch because you're "too busy" (read: scrolling through TikTok). Suddenly, you're not just hungry; you're a feral beast ready to snap at anyone who dares to breathe too loudly. That's your body screaming, "Feed me." Low blood sugar can wreak havoc on your mood, turning you from a reasonable human into a tiny, irritable gremlin.
If you have ever received a comment from a loved one about your ‘tude before and after a meal. If that headache suddenly goes away after a snack and some water, chances are you aren’t fueling your body. Hanger is no one’s bff.
So, What's a Person to Do?
Listen to Your Body (and Your Brain): Start paying attention. Is that tension in your neck from sitting at your desk, or from that passive-aggressive comment your coworker made? Are you tired because you're physically exhausted, or because your brain is running a marathon of anxious thoughts?
Move Your Body (Even a Little): I tell my clients every day, that you don’t have to be an athlete to get movement in. A short walk, some stretching, or dancing around your kitchen to your favorite song can make a difference. If it is nice out because my clients know I love to talk about the seasons and how they affect us, go touch some grass :)
Feed Your Body (and Your Brain): Real food! Not just coffee and doom scrolling for dopamine. Balanced meals, plenty of water, and a little treat here and there (I’m not not talking from personal experience of my diet coke dependency).
Breathe (Seriously): Have you ever taken a full breath and thought “Wow that felt really good!” Well, chances are when you’re stressed and not focused on the mind-body connection your breathing is shallow, and your muscles are constricted. Slow, deep breaths can calm your nervous system and make you feel like you've just downloaded a chill-out app for your soul. While you’re at it, give your body a little shake, unclench that jaw, and notice where your tension is; let it relax a bit. See don’t you already feel just the teeniest bit better?
Seek Help (If You Need It): I have this poster in my Etsy shopping cart that I need to press purchase on that simply states “Talking Helps”. Whether it is talking to a trusted professional in the medical field, finding the right relationship in a therapist, or having a solid support system, talking about the things affecting us every day can alleviate the metaphorical weight on our shoulders. Unburden yourself and talk it out.
In conclusion, your mind and body are in a complicated, codependent relationship. Treat them both with kindness and maybe they'll stop throwing tantrums. And if they don't, well, at least you'll be armed with some good breathing techniques and maybe a little treat.