Mind-Body Connection: The Issues are in the Tissues

Have you ever had pain or a sore spot but you can't remember hurting yourself? You rack your brain, trying to think if your stiff neck is from your pillow or your headache means you need to drink more water, but it just won't go away?

The psychosomatic relationship- the way emotions can manifest as physical symptoms- plays a significant roll in overall wellness. For example, chronic stress or unresolved emotional tension can lead to headaches, muscle tension, and even digestive issues.

Sure we all have stress in our lives. But what to do about it? Practices like massage therapy and meditation can address both the emotional and physical aspects of well-being. Massage helps release physical tension and reduce stress hormones while meditation encourages mindfulness and emotional balance.

Here is a quick five minute meditation for reducing stress. Just close your eyes and relax. Take a few deep breaths from your diaphragm and release the tension in your body. Focus on a five-count breath:

1. Slowly inhale from the belly

2. Then into ribs

3. Then into chest

4. Up into crown of the head

5. Then gently hold the breath for the fifth count

Reverse this process on the exhale for another count of five, exhaling from the crown, chest, ribs, belly, pausing on the last bit of breath out of the body, and then begin again.

Try to visualize the tension leaving your body from your head to your feet, either as imagining that the stress is literally draining from you through your toes, escaping your body with every breath, or simply melting away.

There are so many different types of meditation as well as guided meditations. You can even do guided walking meditations if you find your mind wandering when trying to sit still and focus. If meditation is something you're interested in, this is a good place to start.

If you feel you need to take it a step further, seeing a counselor or other mental health professional who can help you navigate how to deal with emotional and mental stress can be groundbreaking.

What are some other things that help you balance your physical and emotional well-being? Do you take a daily walk to help clear your head? Make sure you get a good night's sleep to help you take on tomorrow's challenges? Schedule your next massage? ;)