The Mind-Body Connection: Stress and Physical Health

Our understanding of physical and mental health is shifting. Traditionally, medicine and psychology has seen these two entities as separate but increasingly the evidence tells us that the mind and body are more closely linked than many of us had first realised. 

There are a lot of avenues to explore when considering how the mind and body interact with one another but one very clear example is how the body responds to stress. The body’s stress response is incredibly clever, engaging the nervous system in a series of steps which allows for an immediate and longer-term reaction to a threat, often occurring outside of our awareness. These responses however, come at a cost as in order for them to occur, certain functions in the body are prioritised over others. For example, the immune system and digestive system are repressed in favour of getting glucose to large muscle groups and the cardiovascular system increasing in activity. In the long-term, this reorganisation of the human body’s priorities can have some serious health consequences. 

Needless to say, no matter what is happening in a person’s life, additional health problems are only likely to make stress feel worse. It is easy to see how people can get caught up in cycles of chronic stress and health issues over the course of many years. 

There are many ways to tackle stress both physically and psychologically. Many techniques and approaches are discussed in our workshop here www.investinginwellbeing.co.uk In a modern world full of stressors and strains, learning how to manage stress is likely to be one of the most important investments you can make into your health.