How Mind-Body Medicine Can Improve Your Life

Mind-body medicine, usually referred to as complementary and alternative medicine, or CAM, has been put into place to alleviate stress and chronic illness. What are some of the forms of mind-body medicine? According to The US Department of Health and Human Resources, the most common forms of mind-body medicine are:

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Tai chi
• Hypnosis

Finding Your Exercise Outlet

I firmly believe that we can use other forms of exercise as mind-body medicine. For instance, some people love running. It is therapeutic for them. It helps some people to clear their minds after a busy day and alleviate stress which is what other forms of alternative medicine do for you.

What’s important is that you find a form of exercise that you enjoy whether it’s Zumba, lifting weights, running, or martial arts. When you find an activity you love, you are more likely to make it routine. Your new routine will have a healthy impact on your body and your mind. It may be hard at first, but I have never met anyone who finished a workout and said, "Wow, I wish I had not worked out today!"

Current Body-State of Americans

America is really losing the battle of the bulge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 35% of American adults are obese.  Obesity can lead to depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, some cancers and other chronic illnesses. People immediately resort to prescription medications to “fix” their illnesses instead of changing their mind + body connections.

What do I mean by changing their mind + body connection?

What I’m talking about is a lifestyle change. First, take care of your body. The “fix” should not have to be prescription medications. A true fix would be to start exercising again; walk every evening with you children or pets or both.

Why?

Endorphins

The American Psychological Association states that exercise has both short and long term benefits. They quoted Michael Otto, PhD, a professor of psychology at Boston University, who stated, “The link between exercise and mood is pretty strong. Usually within five minutes after moderate exercise you get a mood-enhancement effect."

READ Strenuous Running and Endorphins

This is because when we exercise, our brains release endorphins that enhance our mood. WebMD states that endorphins interact with receptors in your brain and actually reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a happy feeling similar to the feeling caused by the use of morphine. As you can see, our bodies and minds have an integral and powerful connection with one another.

When you are feeling stressed, depressed, and the problems of life are piling up on you, remember that your stress will have a negative impact on your body, it’s functioning, and its health.  Turn to daily relief in the form of exercise. Find and form of exercise that you love and look forward to. Not only will you soothe your mind, but you will soothe your body and restore your health. Your mind + body connection is the strongest connection that you have complete control over.