Many people think of physical health and emotional health as two separate aspects of your wellbeing. But, in truth, your emotions and physical health are deeply connected. So, taking care of your emotions is as important as taking care of your body when it comes to optimal wellness.
Aspects of your physical health that are impacted by your emotions include:
Immune Health
Stress, anxiety, depression, and poor mood can weaken the immune system, making your body more susceptible to infection and illness. Additionally, since inflammation is the immune system’s protective response, negative emotions can lead to increased inflammation in the body. When negative emotions occur frequently for a prolonged period, chronic inflammation can result. Left untreated, chronic inflammation can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Pain
For many, negative emotions can lead to physical pain. Your emotions are linked to the brain’s sensory centers and can thus impact how your body feels. Additionally, when people are experiencing negative emotions like anxiety and depression, they’re often less likely to exercise and spend time with friends. But, people with chronic pain are also less inclined toward exercise and social events. This creates a cycle of pain fueled by poor emotional health and chronic pain.
Fatigue
Excess stress, either in your career or personal life, can lead to emotional exhaustion. While this is caused by your emotions, it leads to physical fatigue. People with excess stress also commonly experience insomnia, which exacerbates feelings of fatigue and exhaustion during the day. Memory problems, trouble focusing, and general “brain fog” are also common symptoms among people who are emotionally exhausted.
Digestive Health
There’s a major connection between your gut and your emotions. Feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness, and depression can all cause gut symptoms. People experiencing stress and anxiety often have gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramps, loose stools, heartburn, and indigestion.
In addition to taking care of your emotional health, there are many ways to improve your gut health. At Body Flow Wellness, we specialize in gut health, offering the Angel of Water Colon Hydrotherapy treatment to flush toxins from the digestive system and relieve symptoms including bloating and constipation. Contact us today to learn more!