What is the connection between our thoughts, stress and our health?
There is a lot of research on the connection between our thoughts and our health. The brain and immune system are connected in a way that we don’t fully understand yet. One of the most popular theories is that the immune system responds to what’s happening in the brain, creating inflammation or suppressing it. The brain controls the nervous system and is where thoughts and feelings arise. People who have a negative outlook on life often have more unpleasant thoughts that lead to an increased amount of stress.
The physical effects of stress
In general, the body produces stress hormones in response to a perceived threat. These hormones are released by the adrenal glands in the brain, and they play a crucial role in our survival. They enable the body to respond very quickly to a perceived threat, releasing energy, preparing the body for an emergency and heightening our senses. However, when an individual is constantly experiencing stressors that are beyond what they can handle or have learned to cope with, it can lead to an overload of stress hormones in the body. High levels of these chemicals then lead to long-term physical and mental health problems. This is where the effects of stress become more complicated. Though stress hormones themselves are not harmful, when they remain in the body for too long, they can cause serious harm to our health. The body can experience a higher heart rate, lower blood pressure, and an increase in the number of inflammation cells in the body. A person’s emotional responses can also become heightened when they are experiencing prolonged periods of stress or prolonged stress hormones, which can lead to depression, anger and frustration. The most common long-term health effects that people experience when they are subjected to prolonged stress or high levels of stress hormones include the following:
- Increased risk of heart disease
- Increased risk of stroke
- Higher risk of diabetes and obesity due to decreased insulin sensitivity
- Increased cortisol levels
- Higher risk of depression
How to stop stress from negatively affecting your health
Stress can be a debilitating condition for many people. The effects of stress on the immune system are well-documented, but it is possible to take actions to help mitigate negative consequences.
The following are some tips to stop stress from negatively affecting your health:
- Get enough sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Take time for yourself
- Eat healthy foods
- Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
Take action to improve your own wellness
Now that we have an understanding of the connection between our thoughts and our health it is important to become aware of what we are constantly thinking. This is why it is important to become aware of our thoughts. In addition, practicing different ways to reduce stress will also improve the way we view the world leading to more healthy ways of thinking. Remember, the relationship between thoughts and health are a vital aspect of overall well-being.
