Friday, March 1, 2019

How Can Your Emotions Make You Sick?

Our bodies respond physically to the way we think and feel because our emotional and physical health is closely linked. Negative emotions can zap our mental energy and negatively affect our body, which leads to health problems. For example, fear and anxiety can create chronic stress in our body, which affects our body's hormone balance, depletes the brain chemicals such as serotonin that is essential for happiness, and damages our immune system. In fact, chronic stress can actually shorten our lifespan. 

People who suffer from headache, fatigue, weakness, or other symptoms often end up being diagnosed with depression, even though they do not report feelings of depression to their doctors. People who are chronically depressed often have physical symptoms, such as constipation, lack of appetite, insomnia or lack of energy. Depression has been shown to increase the risk for chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes.

People who are aware of their thoughts and emotions usually have the ability to channel their emotions in a healthy way. They also have a better way to cope with stress. Research has found a link between the positive mental state and improved health, including lower blood pressure, reduced risk for heart disease, healthier weight, better blood sugar levels, and longer life.

Being open to positive change is a key to emotional wellness. The good news is that with awareness and practice, anyone can master emotion management and improve their physical health accordingly.


For more information about how our emotions can affect our health, please check our blog