What’s on the inside, shows outsidev

Anuja Kapur elaborates on the mind-body connection and shares ways to prevent your emotions from affecting your health

We, humans, experience thoughts and emotions that can affect our health in various ways. Emotions are an essential part of our health. Emotionally strong people are usually in the power of their feelings, thoughts, and expressions. Theyre better able to cope with the challenges that life throws towards them. It is significant to understand that only emotions which are free of judgment and attachment are the ones that dont affect the body negatively.

However, restrained negative emotions can deviate our mental energy and affect our mind and body negatively, sometimes leading to health problems. It is crucial to acknowledge our thoughts and emotions to comprehend the effects they can impose on our bodies, behavior, and relationships. The human body reciprocates in the way it thinks, feels, and acts; this is what we call the mind-body connection. If a person is distressed, nervous, or troubled their body will signal that something is wrong. The symptoms could be a problem like high blood pressure, stomach ulcer, change in diet, insomnia, et al. Many people are afraid to express strong emotions because they fear losing control. This exercise can help you to own your emotions and learn how to express them in a safe and healthy way.

Begin with identifying what you are feeling in the moment.

• Practise expressing yourself freely. Always own your emotions. Never try and live in denial; whatever the situation is always face it without any fear.
• If at any point you are not definite about yourself in the company then try expressing your emotions when you are alone. Once you are calm and sure about yourself then open up about your feelings.
• Eventually put your practice to the test by using it in challenging situations. Remember not to play the blame-game and always remain open-minded during the conversation.
• Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance. Meditation is a form of guided thought. It can take many forms. For example, you may do it by exercising, stretching, or breathing deeply. Ask your family doctor for advice about relaxation methods.
• Take care of yourself. To have good emotional health, its important to look after your health. In order to do so, it is essential to consume nourishing meals, getting enough sleep, and working out to relieve the tensed muscles and emotions. Another factor to keep in mind is to limit the usage of drugs and alcohol. Using drugs or alcohol will just add to your problems.

In tough situations, it is vital to keep up your spirit as it will enable you to experience rough emotions like pain, sorrow, frustration, and grief without scattering. Spirited people do not refuse the misery or suffering they are experiencing; rather, they sustain a sense of positivity that assists them to get the better of the negative effects. Some people have the ability to look at stirring times with optimism and promise, knowing that their adversity will lead to personal growth and an expanded outlook on life.

A well managed emotional state allows one to be a contributing factor to society and work with complete efficiency. It can help you to be more cognisant and reap the benefits of your full potential. Research provides evidence that a spirited mental state promotes controlled blood pressure, reduced risk of heart disease, and a healthier weight.

(The author is a psychologist, qualified victimologist and the founder of Nirbhiya Ek Shakti, an NGO which specialises in victim assistance.)