Stress Management - Using Mind Body Techniques

Using the power of the mind to affect bodily symptoms (illness) is the underlying premise of mind-body medicine. Managing stress is a primary concern for therapists and all health care professionals, and has been found to be a viable means of improving health. The physical and emotional damage that stress causes has been written about voluminously and researched extensively over the last few decades. Yet, stress remains a killer! Your quality of life is in jeopardy, if you do not heed the mind-body findings.

The mind-body connection is explained in Dr.Claire Wheeler's recent blog in "Psychology Today." Even before the last century, Socrates led us in the quest to find happiness, and he progressed to link happiness to a "life well-lived," essential understandings to maximize quality of life.

The overall picture is to control damaging emotional symptoms and behaviors by applying techniques that encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle. The basic premise is that changing your lifestyle, learning to respond, (rather than allowing a gut level reaction to take over), and living your values will enhance your stress management skills, thereby lessening the health ravages of stress running wild.

Caring for Your Mind, Body and Soul

A holistic approach to health involves caring for your mind, body and soul. No longer is it just about physical fitness; it has to be the entire package deal! It only makes sense to care for every single important faculty of your being, because face it, how can you be truly healthy if you're a psychological and emotional wreck underneath that perfect size six body?

Here are five great tips to get you started on the road to holistic self development and satisfaction.

Eat healthy. Self development starts with a healthy constitution and that means following a well balanced diet. Nourish your mind, body and soul with foods sourced from natural, chemical-free ingredients such as organic greens, hormone-free dairy products and whole grains. The vitamins and minerals you derive from such foods keep your bodily functions in balance, make you less prone to illnesses such as the common cold, help stave off depression and give you that overall glow that no cosmetic product can ever match. Eat right, eat well and eat in moderation.

Say goodbye to harsh chemicals. If you're still using very strong chemicals for, let's say, your house cleaning products, trash them now! Not only do they harm the environment, but they also expose you to substances that can wreak havoc on your health. If you've ever cleaned your bathroom using industrial-strength bleach, then you know how the scent alone can make you dizzy and leave you irritable afterwards. Its unseen effects, on the other hand, are what it can do to your lungs; bleach fumes can burn your lungs and leave permanent scars in you. Get rid of all harmful substances from your cupboard and stick to natural sources to protect your mind, body and soul.

Activities For Senior Citizens - How Hobbies and the Mind Body Connection Work

Hobbies have a mind body connection, they are important activities for senior citizens and are an important part of healthy aging. Active seniors are proof that you can enjoy better health and have fun doing it.

Research studies have shown that leisure time and physical activity promote a healthier lifestyle. Our bodies are meant to be active and move. Many, as they age, tend to become increasingly inactive, preferring to watch TV to help pass the time away. Finding fun activities for senior citizens can change that.

Active seniors are involved and participate in what life has to offer. Hobbies give an individual a reason to get out and share with others. Whether it is painting, building model airplanes or playing cards the benefits of a hobby can be an increase your chances for improved physical, social and emotional well being.

It is important to have regular leisure time physical activity. Anything that promotes moving and being active will benefit you as you age. The health benefits of staying active are a delay or prevention of a chronic disease such as: heart disease, diabetes, some cancers and arthritis. Physical activity also promotes brain fitness. This can help delay or prevent dementia or Alzheimer's.

Participating in a variety of hobbies helps many cope with the stressors of life. How you react and respond to different situations in life affects your health. Stress and anxiety can lead to poor health. Active seniors are involved and lead a more balanced life.