Pain Relief for Mind & Body

Have you heard of the Mind-Body Connection?

It is a term used to describe the interconnectedness between our emotions and our physical health.

When you are emotionally stressed or anxious, especially for a prolonged period of time, it often has a negative impact on your health. Numerous research studies have shown that stress can cause and/or worsen physical conditions such as:

• High blood pressure
• Chest pain
• Back pain “physical injury, illness, or pain can impact your mood”
• Headaches
• Sleep problems (e.g. insomnia)
• Sexual difficulties
• Gastro-intestinal problems
• A weakened immune system

Likewise, you may have experienced first hand how a physical injury, illness, or pain can impact your mood. If our bodies are “sick”, we worry about a number of things including:

• How long it will take to get better?
• Will I have to go on light duty?
• Will I have to stop working out or limit my physical activity?
• Will I be a burden to those around me?

You get the picture. Our bodies and minds are linked together.

The Good News

The good news is that there are several things we can do to improve our mental and physical health when it comes to these matters. Relaxation techniques always help.

First, if you’re feeling stressed or anxious you can contact FireStrong.org Crisis Support Line 1-844-525-FIRE (3473).

If you want to hear more about how can work for you, follow this link to a podcast that explains the Mind-Body connection, and some strategies to calm your body and mind to prevent or eliminate physical symptoms. Autonomic Podcast

Next, the link below is to the American Psychological Association website that cites some fascinating research about the Mind-Body Connection. For instance, did you know:

• Stress is linked to the six leading causes of death – heart disease, cancer, lung ailments, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and suicide. (“The Stress Solution: An Active Plan to Manage the Stress in Your Life,” Lyle H. Miller, Ph.D. and Alma Dell Smith, Ph.D.)
• People with high levels of anxiety can have between two to seven times the risk of heart disease. (“Emotional Longevity: What Really Determines How Long You Live,” Norman B. Anderson and Elizabeth P. Anderson, 2003)
• Two-thirds of all office visits to family physicians are due to stress-related symptoms (American Academy of Family Physicians)

Learn more about this research at http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/mind-body.aspx

• Stay Strong – Be smart about your body and your mind!
• Chances are high that this will directly affect you or a loved one during your lifetime !

Sources:

The Mindability Group at www.mindability.com
The American Psychological Association at www.apa.org