Mind Shapes Health: Understanding Connection

Photo Credit: by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Here’s a common theme In my office: people grappling with emotions they believe they “shouldn’t” be feeling. Ever been there? But … when we have emotions they are here for a reason and the mind shapes health. Our psychological experiences shape our physical health experience. Read on the learn more about the links of our mind-body integration. 

They’re often puzzled by the link between psychological experiences and physical sensations and believe that they are separate and different experiences, not related to the same experience of thought or emotion. 

But here’s the truth: emotions and thoughts aren’t abstract entities; they manifest physically. Thus, an emotional experience or thought triggers tangible changes within our bodies.

In contemporary discourse, the connection between psychological states and physical well-being is a subject of increasing importance. Recent studies shed light on this intricate relationship, emphasizing the profound impact of psychological experiences on bodily health. 

This new and exploding field of somatic psychology study has added evidence to what many of us have known our entire lives, that we cannot separate mind and body. Everything we go through is an embodied experience created from blended physical sensations, emotional feelings, and mental meaning constructs. 

One study, conducted by Smith et al. (2020), delves into the physiological manifestations of emotions and thoughts. Their findings underscore the tangible changes that occur within the body in response to emotional experiences and cognitive processes. Through a series of controlled experiments, they demonstrate how emotions and thoughts are not merely abstract concepts but have a direct influence on physical health.

This connection between psychological and physical realms is profound. Consider trauma, for instance. Trauma experience disrupts our nervous system’s regulation, sending it into overdrive or causing it to shut down. 

The nervous system, the body’s ultimate coordinator, influences everything, from bodily functions to overall health. When it falters, so does everything else. Persistent sympathetic arousal can become our norm, leading us to seek addictive and numbing behaviors that provide temporary relief but fail to restore our systems.

Still, think your psychological experience is all in your head and separate from your physical health? The psychological and physical connection of traumatic experiences are backed up in the research literature. 

How our nervous system responds determines the extent of its dysregulation. Support, safety, and social interaction aid in re-regulating our nervous systems, while lacking these elements prolongs dysregulation.

Another pivotal investigation, led by Kimble and Kaufman (2004), focuses on the neurological implications of trauma. Their investigation reveals the dysregulation of the nervous system as a central mechanism underlying the physical consequences of traumatic experiences. By analyzing neural responses to various stressors, they elucidate how trauma-induced nervous system dysregulation contributes to a range of health outcomes, from gastrointestinal issues to cardiovascular problems.

Consequently, we experience a host of physical ailments in response to our psychological experiences, often dismissed as commonplace or age-related. Yet, these shared symptoms within groups of people make it harder and harder to ignore that what happens in our minds happens to our bodies. And not only does this play out on the individual level, but it influences group experience, too. 

Humans, like other mammals, co-regulate, shaping each other’s brains and nervous systems through interaction. Hence, our close circles profoundly influence us. If our community is fraught with dysregulation, we absorb its effects, experiencing similar emotional and physical outcomes. 

Community members experiencing similar mental and physical health changes as a result of trauma reflect an epigenetic aspect of trauma. Dysregulated nervous systems within a community can spread, affecting its members in similar ways. This is how we find many people in the same community experiencing very similar health problems over time. 

Whether a group experience or felt on the individual level, long-term nervous system dysregulation inevitably leads to physical health issues. These issues range from digestive problems to cardiovascular issues, joint pain, cognitive impairments, addiction cycles, relationship struggles, and even seemingly physical diseases like cancer. It underscores the inseparability of psychological and physical well-being.

To care for ourselves optimally, we must prioritize our nervous systems. Restorative rest, social connection, nourishing food, regular exercise, quality sleep, and hydration are essential. By being mindful of our nervous system’s needs, we can foster holistic well-being.

The implications of these findings are profound. They challenge conventional notions of health and positive social connection as they underscore the interconnectedness of psychological and physical well-being. As such, it becomes evident that addressing psychological distress is essential for promoting holistic health and preventing disease.

By recognizing the bio-psycho-social nature of well-being, looking closer at our self-care routines, and taking care of our nervous systems, we can adopt a more comprehensive approach to healthcare. One that prioritizes both mental and physical wellness without siloing our complete experience into boxes that separate the truth of our embodiment.

In conclusion, the research discussed sheds light on the intricate interplay between psychological experiences and physical health many of us intuitively understand. 

Acknowledging the interconnectedness of our psychological and physical experiences is pivotal. It compels us to approach self-care holistically, recognizing that emotional well-being is as crucial as physical health. 

In nurturing our nervous systems, we cultivate resilience, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and vitality. So let’s prioritize self-care, embracing the profound unity of mind and body.

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