The Mind-Body Connection

We talk about our mind and body as though they are two separate entities, existing exclusively from one another, and often at odds. We use phrases like “the mind is willing, but the body is not” and “my mind is playing tricks on me”, which create a perception of the ‘self’ which is inherently flawed. The truth is that ‘we’ are our entire being. Our mind and body are inextricably linked, and many things that affect one will inevitably affect the other. 

This confusion about what actually represents the ‘self’ also extends to confusion over how we perceive our own state of wellbeing. Oftentimes, we will confuse how we feel with how we are. We assume that our current state of being is actually who and what we are, rather than a transient state based on the current wellbeing of both mind and body.

To really understand this concept, it is important to understand the link between mental and physical health, and how they affect one another. 

The Impact of Fear and Anxiety on Physical Health

Fear has a specific evolutionary use; it is there to keep us safe, and protect us from dangers. However, when fear and anxiety become chronic, they can have a serious impact on our health. 

Fear triggers hormonal changes in the body, stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, and alters gene activity. These changes pose a number of risks to the body, including: 

• Potential damage to the cardiovascular system

• Gastrointestinal issues like IBS and ulcers

• Accelerated aging 

• Compromised immune system

• Decreased fertility

As you can see, something which is neatly defined as a problem of the mind has far reaching consequences for the body. 

If someone is suffering from chronic fear or anxiety, it could well present as a series of physical health problems; but treating these alone without addressing the underlying root cause of these symptoms, would be ineffective.

The Vagus Nerve 

The vagus nerve is the longest nerve in the body, and links many of our organs (including the gut) to our brains. It also plays an important role in triggering the parasympathetic nervous system.

When the vagus nerve is stimulated, we find it easier to relax after stress. There is an important feedback loop between the vagus nerve and our emotions. 

The role of the vagus nerve in pregnant mothers has even been shown to influence the dopamine and serotonin levels of their babies. 

When the vagus nerve is stimulated, it helps to combat depression, anxiety, and low mood. It’s clear that this physical aspect of our bodies has a great influence over our mental health. 

Ways to stimulate the vagus nerve, and combat the unwanted side effects of low vagal tone include:

• Deep breathing exercises

• Singing, humming, or chanting

• Improving gut health

• Exercise

• Meditation

The Effect of Poor Diet on Mental health

Diet has been proven to have a direct impact on mental health. Some foods (like saturated fats) actually stop us from converting other food into the nutrients our brains need to stay healthy.

And there are other foods that fool our brains into releasing chemicals that temporarily alter mood (like sugar and caffeine). Unfortunately, these effects are short lived, and followed by a ‘crash’. 

When we eat poorly, we feel low, and that can lead us to begin to believe that this temporary state is how we actually are. When you realise that it could be rectified with a relatively simple solution like eating a better, more nutritious diet, it is easier to manage and deal with. But it’s often difficult to see these solutions when you are in this place. 

People who have caring roles, or who have a tendency towards worry and fear are often likely to find themselves in situations where simple physiological needs (including healthy food and quality sleep) are not being met; this will lead to a deterioration in both mental and physical health. This can make it difficult to appreciate the detrimental effect their lifestyle is having on their health.

Sometimes it takes someone on the outside of your life to help you identify the change you need to make that will have the biggest impact on your life. By asking the right questions TRU can help you see and feel that clearly, so that it becomes obvious what you need to do to turn things around. 

NLP’s Role in the Mind-Body Connection

One of the thins that NLP helps with is recognising the different emotional states and how we create them. This puts us back in the driving seat of our ongoing experience. 

By becoming aware of the decisions we are making, and how those influence all aspects of our health, we can start to make better, healthier choices. 

All too often, we approach health from either a mind or body angle. Whereas to truly be at our optimum, we have to be living, thinking, resting and eating well.

If we are feeling stressed or depressed, it is not enough to merely address the ‘feelings’ associated with these states. We need to look at all of the contributing factors, and how we can adjust our choices and circumstances to improve our situation. 

Likewise, if we are feeling exhausted, run-down, and ill, it isn’t enough to just treat the physical symptoms if the underlying cause is related to stress or anxiety. These emotions need to be properly dealt with so that our bodies can begin to recover.

It’s not enough to just ‘survive’; we should be aiming to enjoy our lives! TRU aims to get you to a place of growth and renewed energy, where  you are living the best life you can, in the way that you would want.