by Mary Frances Hansen
To have good emotional health we must be aware of our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Scientific studies are constantly revealing our neurotransmitters ( chemical messengers) associated with our emotions that can have physical and emotional effects on our health. So..... what is the connection between our mind and body and how does our mind control our body?
The power of the mind can influence a person's health. Our minds possess one of the strongest and most useful powers within us. The way we think, our attitudes and moods, can impact our everyday life. Our mind is so powerful! Mind power is the power of our thoughts. One of my favorite quotes from the Bible is Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinketh in his heart so is he.” I firmly believe we become what we think. Our thoughts are powerful and as they pass through our minds they are responsible for everything that happens in our lives. Our thoughts influence our behaviors and our attitudes control our actions and our reactions.
A positive attitude is habit-forming and it has an impact on you and people around you. A positive attitude affects us physically. Surround yourself with happy people with positive attitudes. Great quote by Dr. Steve Maraboli ,who is a life changing speaker, best selling author, and behavioral science academic, “Funny how your quality of life improves when you surround yourself with good, intelligent, kind-heartened positive loving people.”
We must be careful how we think because our lives are shaped by our thoughts. Just one small negative thought in the morning can change our whole day. We must try and fill our minds with positive affirmations. Every day is a good day, some are are just a little better than others. There is an old saying, “If you want a rainbow today, you have to put up with the rain!” (Anonymous)
Having a positive outlook can certainly benefit your physical and emotional health. People who are emotionally well have fewer negative emotions and can bounce back faster from difficult situations. Poor emotional health can weaken your body's immune system. You are more likely to get colds and other infections during difficult times.
Negative thoughts and feelings can make you feel sad and anxious. Doctors have found that people with high levels of negativity are more likely to suffer from degenerative brain disease, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, digestive issues, and they recover from sickness much slower than those with a positive mindset. If you are constantly worrying and stressing, your body sometimes can even respond through muscle aches and pains.
A very meaningful quote by.. Marcus Aurelius, (Roman Emperor best known for his meditation on Stoic Philosophy) “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this and you will find strength.” Research suggests we can have some control over which emotions we experience. We can either choose to have a positive or a negative outlook. Our outlook on things can determine our outcome. “He who has health, has hope and has everything. It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver. Health is not valued till sickness comes.”(Author unknown) Don't let your circumstance defeat you....you must learn to control your circumstances.
I would like to close with a thought provoking story of a woman who woke up one morning with only three hairs on her head. Well.....she said, “I think I will braid my hair today.” So she did and had a wonderful day. The next day when she woke up, looked in the mirror and saw that she had only two hairs on her head. Hmm she said, “I think I will part my hair down the middle today.” So she did and had a grand day. The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and had only one hair on her head. Well, she said, “Today I am going to wear my hair in a pony tail.” So she did and had a fun, fun day. The next day she woke up, she looked in the mirror and noticed there wasn't a single hair on her head.....Yeah, I don't have to fix my hair today! Well....it is all about perspective and how you look at things. A positive attitude is everything! Stay Strong, Stay Safe, and Keep the Faith!