Work out your body and mind

Did you know that only 23% of Americans get enough physical activity? And that exercise can be just as effective as antidepressants for some people? In our last article, we discussed the importance of body awareness. This time, we will uncover powerful strategies for releasing stored emotions and creating a healthier, happier you. So, whether you’re dealing with stress or anxiety or want to boost your overall well-being, this is for you! 

Your thoughts influence your feelings, which in turn affect how you live. In her book Reset, Debra Fileta explains that mental and emotional health directly impacts biological functioning. Understanding this connection is crucial for our overall well-being.

Body outlets: physical activity

The book of 1 Corinthians teaches us that our bodies are temples. If we embrace this idea, we should consider physical activity as a form of stewardship. Surprisingly, very few Americans get the recommended amount of exercise. Yet, studies show that regular physical activity can be as effective as antidepressants for some people in treating anxiety and depression. It reduces stress, increases feel-good chemicals, and improves our overall resilience.

Action Step: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities twice a week.

Mind outlets: talk therapy

Just as we exercise our bodies, we need to exercise our minds. Professional counseling, or talk therapy, provides an emotional outlet to sort through thoughts, stay attuned to emotions, and replace unhealthy behaviors. It’s like a workout for your mental and emotional muscles!

Action Step: Consider contacting a counselor or therapist to start your brain health journey.

Searching for your “why”

If you are still looking for motivation for why this is important, I find it helpful to think about how it impacts me in the short- and long-term. Let’s look at emotions’ short- and long-term effects on the body.

Short-term effects

• Anxiety: Often leads to stomach pain, nausea, or digestive issues.
• Anger: Can cause physical heat, a faster heartbeat, and flushed skin.
• Sadness: Results in tears, a self-soothing response reducing stress and enhancing mood.

Long-term effects

• Positive Emotions: Linked to a longer lifespan and overall better health.
• Negative Emotions: Can impair memory, cognitive functions, the immune system, cardiovascular health, digestion, and hormonal balance.

I don’t know about you, but I have experienced at least one of these symptoms, which is pretty unpleasant, and I certainly can relate to wanting to live a longer, healthier life. 

Creating powerful habits

We all want to prevent the negative impact of emotions in the short and long term. No one wants to wake up in the emergency room, lost and wondering where things went wrong. If you need help with where to begin, I have good news for you! It is time to take inventory–no, not that type of inventory.

Take a look at your current outlets by asking a couple of questions:

• How much time am I setting aside to work out physically and mentally?
• What steps can I take to prioritize my health from the inside out?

While this may sound simple, it is exactly where you should begin. So be honest with yourself as you write down your answers. If this makes you uncomfortable or is a little too cheesy, remember the goal: to prevent the negative short and long-term impact of feelings stored in our bodies.

It’s also helpful to remember that healing is a multi-layered approach. It often involves changes to diet and exercise, engaging in therapy, making lifestyle changes, and sometimes considering medication. All these elements work together to move us towards healing.

If you or someone you know struggles with brain health challenges, I encourage you to get the resources you need. Whether that’s finding a counselor or a supportive community or seeking help from a psychologist, doctor, or pastor, do not continue to suffer in silence.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, dial 988 if you are in the U.S. or contact your local emergency services line.