Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve felt nervous, anxious, or stressed? Of course you have! Whether it was a job interview, bumper-to-bumper traffic, exam, blind date, waiting for the results of a medical test, or a myriad of other situations, stress is a universal human experience.
In these settings, have you ever used simple techniques like deep breathing or visualizing a more happy and peaceful situation to calm down? If your answer is yes, then you are already familiar with the power of Mind-Body Medicine.
“Mind-Body Medicine focuses on the interactions between mind and body, and the powerful ways in which emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors can directly affect health.”1 Mind-Body techniques have been proven to enhance the human capacity for self-care and self-awareness.
Since up to 80 percent of all illnesses are related to chronic stress,1 it is important that individuals understand how to manage stress, especially during times of change.
Identify ways to combat the potential negative effects of stress
Mind-body interventions, such as relaxation and breathing, meditation, visualization, and yoga, can help you activate the relaxation response – the antidote to the typical stress reaction.2
Numerous studies published since 1960 demonstrate the efficacy of mind-body medicine techniques in lowering blood pressure and stress hormone levels, relieving pain and improving immune functioning, as well as improvements in clinical conditions such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), HIV, and cancer.1
By understanding these biological responses and developing a capacity to self-treat, you will feel more empowered to take greater control of your stress, and find greater enjoyment in the whole journey of life and your leadership.
Mind-Body Medicine skills are easy to learn and have the capacity to change your experience of and satisfaction in life.
Based on my studies, I’m excited to share mind-body skills with you during our coaching sessions. Depending on your preference, this could be a more formal teaching each week or we could discuss techniques as an appropriate situation presents itself.
To get a taste of Mind-Body Medicine try a few minutes of Soft Belly Breathing, led by Jim Gordon, founder of The Center for Mind-Body Medicine.
Sources:
1 The Center for Mind-Body Medicine. (2013). What is mind-body medicine? [Webpage]. Retrieved from http://cmbm.org/about/what-is-mind-body-medicine/
2 Farah, K. (2013). Biological underpinnings of mind-body therapies [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from http://cmbm.org/professional-trainings/mind-body-medicine/mbm/saybrook-mind-body-medicine-2013-post-program-page/