The human body is a wondrous thing, capable of protecting itself and recovering from a constant barrage of stressors and invaders. The body is so effective, in fact, that we often don’t even realize when it’s fighting for you!
Sometimes, though, the body needs a little extra help getting itself back in tune. This is especially true during flu season when stress and pathogens attack our immune system every day.
Help your body fight back by activating your natural self-healing processes in the mind as well as the body. We all know that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep are the building blocks of any healthy lifestyle, but there are other activities and hobbies that trigger the body’s healing properties.
Here are some easy ways to engage in self-healing without any special expertise needed. You can try all of these methods right now, free of charge. A little time, energy, and dedication are all it takes to help your mind and body stay strong.
Of course, when you need more help than you feel your body is capable of providing on its own, make an appointment with your health care provider to learn more about how best to address your concerns.
Meditation
Meditation is the cornerstone of self-healing practices. All it takes is five quiet minutes to begin a meditation session.
Contrary to popular belief, the goal of mediation is not to stop thinking, but to quiet racing thoughts and align your mind and body. Focus intensely on slow, measured breathing, and feel the stress and anxiety melt away almost immediately.
Tai Chi
This ancient Chinese martial art is associated more with peace than combat. Its slow and steady movements keep the body in a low-intensity motion, providing gentle exercise without the need for special equipment.
Although scientists emphasize that more study is needed to understand Tai chi’s health benefits, preliminary research suggests its link to lower anxiety, lessened joint pain, better sleep, and a boosted immune system.
Yoga
A 2017 study found that yoga can reduce inflammation in the body—a common culprit behind many health problems. You don’t need an expensive class or the latest fashions to be a yoga practitioner. With a little at-home practice, you’ll find yourself with a renewed energy and better protection from injury.
Declutter
Exercise isn’t the only stress-busting practice you can try. Stress is the nemesis of good health, so anything that releases this tension can make a positive impact.
Many American households are awash in “stuff”—things we don’t really need but allow to take up our personal space. However, decluttering your living space is more than just an aesthetic fix. Organizing your space can subsequently organize your mind. Looking for a guidepost? Check out self-help guru Marie Kondo’s best-selling The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, or dive into the practice of minimalism.
Go outside
Have you ever told a kid to go outside and expel some of their nervous energy? Well, it might be time to take a little of your own advice. Get a self-healing twofer by heading outdoors for a walk. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel energized and excited, while the sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, a crucial element in protecting your body against everything from cancer to osteoporosis.
Journal
Journaling is a great habit to pick up, allowing you to face and release stressful thoughts by organizing all the frantic thoughts locked inside the echo chamber of your mind. Acknowledging and relinquishing these stressors can trigger a cascade effect, reducing stress and anxiety and, in turn, reducing health problems like high blood pressure and migraines.
Manage your budget
Financial concerns are a key source of stress, no matter who you are. Balancing your bottom line can help balance your mental health in the process.
Get a massage
While a professional masseuse can bring you to a new level of relaxation, you can achieve some of the same results from the comfort of your home. Find a partner and take turns experimenting with basic techniques, or invest in one of many self-massage tools on the market.
If these stress management tips aren’t working for you, consult your health care provider for more strategies and treatments.
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
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