When people embark on a health journey, the initial reason is to lose weight. However, when asked “why” they want to lose weight, they typically uncover deeper meanings and motivations for this external goal. We want to lose weight and be healthy to feel better and ward off chronic illness and pain, have the energy to enjoy family activities and other important things in life, or have mental clarity at work, etc. The deeper reasons we pursue a goal ignite our fire and motivate us. However, there is a mind-body connection that we need to recognize and respect. Your mind affects your body, and your body affects your mind. In other words, our mental and physical health go hand-in-hand.

Our brains produce many chemicals that can be released in part by our thoughts and feelings. Endorphins act as natural painkillers, gamma globulin strengthens our immune system, and cortisol is released as part of the fight-or-flight response to fear or stress. When our “fight or flight” response is activated, those hormones affect our respiratory and cardiovascular systems. We breathe more quickly to flood our bodies with oxygen-rich blood so that we can effectively battle or run. Our body increases our heart rate to prepare us for the physical task.

However, most daily stressors are emotional, psychological, or philosophical. Every day, the stress we deal with is not caused by a pressing, imminent physical danger. But when we initiate the “fight or flight” response in reaction to our ongoing, daily stressors, we are elevating our heart rates for prolonged periods of time. When this is left unchecked, the chronic elevation can result in high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Additionally, large amounts of stress hormones can also create toxins that limit your liver’s ability to do its job.

When we carry our emotional stress for weeks or months without addressing it and finding ways to de-stress, we are also putting ourselves at risk for fatigue, increased anxiety, and depression. When you are able to relax your mind and body, your body stops producing the hormones that create stress. This allows you to physically and mentally “calm down.”

One technique to mentally “calm down” and de-stress is journaling.
Physically writing your thoughts and feelings, exploring your ideas, and spending private time to focus on experiences and processes is a valuable self-care tool.

Writing and processing your thoughts/feelings increases your emotional well-being and reduces stress. Studies have shown that journaling regularly can improve liver function, lower blood pressure, and allow you to address challenges healthily and assertively. Additional studies have shown that journaling significantly increases your overall emotional, physical, and mental health.

It is essential to pay attention to your mental well-being and stress levels – because it is all connected! Recognize the critical relationship between your physical and mental wellness, and make your health a priority so that you can enjoy all of the beauties of life in future years.