Maria thinks about the relationship between our body and mind
This month we will reflect about the important relationship between our bodies and mind. We invite you to reflect about our physical health and think about how it might or not influence our mental health. In particular, this time, we will focus on how some temporary physical ailments, aches or pains can influence the way we see and feel the world around us.
Sometimes emotional pain and physical pain can go hand in hand. For example, you can imagine how we might feel about the world and ourselves on the day we have a tooth ache, and the instant relief we might feel when the physical pain goes away.
Are you aware of how is your body feeling at the moment and how does it relate to the way you are feeling about the world and yourself? What are the things that help your body manage the physical discomfort?
These are some self-care ideas to try and reduce some physical discomfort your body might be feeling:
- Hot bath - This brings muscle relaxation and can be an effective way of dealing with tension and aches.
- Gentle walk outdoors – Sometimes gentle exercise can alleviate some aches and pains. Walking outdoors, in contact with nature can also distract our thoughts from the tensions we might be feeling.
- Massages – Self massages with essential oils can provide a soothing and calming feeling as well as engaging the senses.
- Breathing exercises – These can be of great help when we need to work through pains and aches as well as calming down the nervous system.
- Relaxation techniques – Using mindfulness and meditation techniques can also be of help to deal with physical discomfort.
- Talk about it – Sometimes sharing how we are feeling with others, talking to someone you trust can make things more manageable. Counselling can help as well.
Please do remember these are not instant relief for chronic pain or other physical conditions. You can find more information on chronic pain and how to manage it here:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/mental-health/mental-health-self-help-guides/chronic-pain-self-help-guide
