A healthy body requires a healthy mind

Filed in archive Inner Health on November 18, 2007

When we are stressed at work or at home and feel that we are slightly losing control over our daily tasks we have to take a step back and try to take back the control we lost. That is also the time when you least want to start a new exercise program but it might just be what you need.

If you are thinking "oh no, no sweaty exercise" then let me calm you on that point. I'm not talking about physical exercise but mental exercise. Mental exercise is just as important as physical.

What you need to work on when you are stressed is your mind and not your body first and foremost. By taking the time to sit down and go through all your stressful feelings and thoughts you are able to start your less stressful life.

A way to do this is to meditate. Psychologists say that meditation is a way for you to rediscover yourself and your inner feelings. You help yourself gaining control over your mind and body. This is often referred to as self-awareness.

A stressed mind brings a stressed body so you might have problems with your blood pressure or feeling sad most of the time. Meditation will help lower your blood pressure and you will start seeing things in a new perspective as you get to know your mind better.

One way to meditate is to focus on your breath. You probably know by now that when you get stressed you start breathing faster and your heart starts pumping. By concentrating on your breath you will regain your calm. You can also focus on an object or meditate a mantra. Praying can also be a form of meditation.

When we think of people meditating we imagine that they are sitting straight up with their legs crossed. By sitting so you will let your body's circulation and energy flow through you. It is also possible to walk and meditate at the same time through mindfulness. You can meditate for as little as 3-10 minutes and still feel the good effects from it.

There is no need to seek out a club or meditation center if you want to give it a try. You can learn a lot through the Internet in the peace of your own home. Should you want to connect with other people who meditates then look through your yellow pages to find a meditation center.

Remember; a healthy body requires a healthy mind and a stressed mind brings a stressed body.