A Boost for Your Mental Health In this episode I hold space for all the different emotions at this time to co- exist. It is Mental Health Awareness Month so let’s shine a light on how we are feeling !
Our emotional and physical health are inextricably linked. Whether we’re happy or sad, our bodies respond physically to the way we think, feel and act.
Feelings of gratitude boost immunity, lower blood pressure and speed healing. Dr Rollin McCraty of the Institute of HeartMath in the US is studying the link between emotions and physical health, and has found that, like love, gratitude and contentment also trigger oxytocin. ‘Oxytocin is secreted by the heart whenever you feel open and connected,’ says McCraty.‘It switches off stress by causing the nervous system to relax. Oxygenation to tissues increases significantly, as does healing. We’ve found that gratitude is also associated with more harmonious electric activity around both the heart and brain – the very state in which these organs operate most effectively.’
Depression, pessimism and apathy affect our health in several ways. ‘Low mood is linked to low levels of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain,’ says London GP Dr Jane Flemming. ‘Serotonin plays a role in regulating pain perception and could be the reason why 45 per cent of patients with depression also suffer aches and pains.’
A Boost for Your Mental Health – How to Ease tension
To Generate ease – Touch your forehead, throat, chest, and belly and say “open” to each space. Take ten breaths with long exhales, counting each one until you get to ten in a row. Raise the corners of your mouth into a smile so your ventral vagal nerve can trigger a social calm signal to your body and mind.
If you haven’t read my blogs on ways we can stay healthy during this pandemic, please check them out HERE. I have so much to share about balancing the conversation with messages of health.
CLICK HERE for a great article on How to Listen to Your Body Signals
Please note- this is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or recommendation of any kind, and you should not rely on any information contained in such posts to replace consultations with your qualified health care professionals to meet your individual needs.
