The mind is very powerful! Our thoughts can influence our emotions which can directly affect the way we feel physically. These thoughts can be either positive or negative. This concept, known as the mind-body connection has been recognized by the Eastern world for centuries. It was just around the mid-20th century or so, that the Western world began to realize that the mind and body are not two separate entities, but rather very much connected. This is evidenced by the many hospitals and universities around the country that have added mind-body programs to help people be healthy.

What we say to ourselves can have a direct effect on how we feel.

Take a moment and think about a slightly annoying experience. Maybe you were recently waiting in a long line at the supermarket or perhaps you were on the phone and put on hold while trying to make an appointment. Think about what you were saying to yourself in that situation and then notice how it feels in your body and where you feel it. Many times when people are feeling anxious, they are actually fueling the anxiety by what they are saying to themselves. Just the other day I was checking out at the supermarket and I had a cashier who really took his time scanning the groceries. I could have said to myself things like, “ugh, could he work any slower?” instead I said, “he is doing the best he can do.” I know for me that the second statement was much better for my well-being than the first would have been.

Much research has been done that connects prolonged stress to illness in the body.

If a person is continually exposed to stress, it can take a toll on their body in different ways such as:

• headaches

• upset stomach

• insomnia

• high blood pressure

• diarrhea or constipation

• fatigue

• rashes

• other health issues

 The body is really giving a clear message with these symptoms. It is basically our body’s way of telling us that we need to find a better way to deal with stress and find peace and calm.

The fact is there are always going to be stressors in life. 

What you can do is learn how to change your reaction to it. By becoming aware of what you are saying to yourself in situations where you feel stressed, you can then begin to change those thoughts. This doesn’t mean that you say things that sound good but you really do not believe. Rather it is a way to use your mind in a way that works for you. One way is to put your thoughts in the positive, say what you want as opposed to what you don’t want.

Now take a moment and think about a positive experience. Maybe you were enjoying time with family or friends. Or maybe you were at the beach or another place in nature that you enjoy. Think about where you were, who was there, what you were saying to yourself and notice what it feels like to be in this place. When you think about a positive, happy experience, your mind and body tend to be calm and relaxed.

Changing the way you think can change the way you feel. 

One way to change thoughts is to do it consciously. Another is through hypnosis which offers a powerful way to tap into the mind-body connection.

Hypnosis is a way to resolve past trauma, release old negative emotions such as fear and anger, as well as let go of limiting beliefs. Resolving issues like these can really change things in your life. It can change the way you think about and respond to events. It often leads to more energy, peace, calm, joy and improve your overall well-being.

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