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Mindfulness and Your Physical Health
[/fusion_text][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][imageframe lightbox=”no” style_type=”none” bordercolor=”” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ stylecolor=”” align=”none” link=”” linktarget=”_self” animation_type=”0″ animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″ class=”” id=””] 
[/imageframe][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][one_sixth last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][two_third last=”no” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_text]Last month, I discussed the importance of mindfulness in life. Because the art of alignment lies in synchronizing all areas of our lives, integrating a gentle and consistent awareness to each area of our lives will, in turn, improve all others.
Mindfulness has an enormous and positive impact on our physical health. Increasing awareness towards our physical bodies subsequently encourages us to nurture a healthier relationship with ourselves. In terms of physical health, we feel more connected overall when actively aware of our bodies and related sensory experiences.
Healthy thoughts, healthy body
Our physical health is largely related to how in tune we are with our bodies. For example, the practice of daily mindfulness diminishes the severity and duration of colds, resulting in a more joyful existence. Mindfulness also reinforces weight loss goals. As our thoughts are consistently aligned with healthy diet and exercise choices, we learn to make better decisions for ourselves and take full responsibility for our lives. Furthermore, by training ourselves to connect to our minds and bodies, we notice immediate and significant changes in how we feel. Mindfulness is a proactive and scientifically proven measure against illness and stress.
Stress management
Stress affects physical health in many ways, and mindfulness has repeatedly been proven to lower stress levels as well as stress-related diseases. When our stress levels decrease, so do our blood pressure readings, and lower blood pressure reduces the risk of heart disease. Stress also raises cortisol levels, which influence our nervous systems and have a negative impact on weight, particularly belly fat. Reducing stress improves several common ailments, including digestive issues, insulin resistance, and sleeplessness.
Pain management
We can’t always control what physically ails us, but mindfulness can promote awareness of our personal reality and adjust our perceptions accordingly. Mindfulness encourages us to simply notice pain without judgment or negative thoughts. Noticing pain in the moment minimizes the concern of having to reduce or eliminate it, which also reduces the frustration associated with the experience of chronic pain. Awareness of pain allows us to recognize the ebb and flow, as well as learn what helps and what doesn’t in terms of easing pain. When we realize that pain is not a constant and unchanging element that we have little control over, stress is reduced.
Paying attention to our physical health through mindfulness and meditation has proven measurable and profound effects on our quality of life. It is obvious how focusing on mindfulness can not only have a positive impact on our physical health, but can also help us in aligning other areas of our lives.
Physical health is one component of an aligned and peaceful life. Next month, I will discuss how mindfulness improves your relationship with yourself and others.[/fusion_text][/two_third][one_sixth last=”yes” spacing=”yes” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding=”” class=”” id=””][/one_sixth][/fullwidth]
