Our mental state can upset normal physical functions, weaken resistance to infections and actually change the structure and functioning of our vital organs.
For example, emotional upsets affect the flow of hydrochloric acid, which in turn aggravates stomach ulcers. Over the years while working with clients in private practice, I observed on countless occasions how upsetting conversations could make people buckle with stomach pain. Anger can send blood pressure skyrocketing. Essential hypertension or chronic high blood pressure with no other apparent physical cause is associated with bottled-up anger. Considering how many deaths after 50 are related to blood pressure, this is significant. Hypertension patients often appear to be easygoing, yet these very same people may be smoldering. Once taught how to release pent-up emotions, blood pressure resumes at normal ranges. Diabetes has also been associated with emotional shock. Arthritic and autoimmune flare-ups can parallel emotional upsets and worry can accelerate tooth decay.
Understanding the impact of frustrations and fears is just as important as what blood tests or x-rays might reveal. Many of us bury distress in the crypts of our minds at the expense of our health.
Learning to relax can reduce or eliminate a plethora of problems. E-motions (think E= energy in motion) need conscious release or they express themselves in terms of flesh and blood. Allowing emotions release—without judgment, without labeling them good or bad but just as normal human emotions—gives us a chance to work through these fleeting feelings before they cause us physical hurt as well.
Some difficulties are real and cannot be ignored or meditated away. But facing challenges head on; accepting a situation; and talking with others or asking for help are steps to solutions that also give us new ways to cope with our challenges. Taking personal time-outs will release pent-up energy, while simultaneously filling us with a new kind of energy that enables us to live richer lives. Timeouts aren’t wastes of time; they’re time energizers that get our minds back in line to keep our bodies healthy.
Hint: When you’re so busy that you think you have absolutely zero time to take a break—that’s the time to take one.
Thanks for visiting! I’m Dian Griesel, Ph.D. aka @SilverDisobedience I am a perception analyst & hypnotherapist who works with private clients to help increase their awareness of how perceptions impact everything we do whether personally or professionally. Book an appointment here.
I share inspiring and actionable ideas for free via my podcast, on my website: DianGriesel.com and also on my social media accounts which you might like to follow.
