Mind-Body Connection is the belief that the causes, development and outcomes of a physical illness are determined from the interaction of psychological, social factors and biological factors. Your health can be affected by the stress from both good and bad life events like marriage/divorce, promotion/lay-off or the purchase of a house/home foreclosure. It also can be affected by daily routines such as fighting rush hour traffic, meeting a deadline, unrealistic self-expectations and interpersonal relationships.

And your body responds to this stress and to anxiety or depression. For example, when you’re stressed—even by something positive—you might develop high blood pressure, a stomach ulcer, back pain, constipation or diarrhea, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and you may have trouble falling or staying asleep.

Improving Your Mind-Body Connection

Practice stress management techniques. Stress management techniques, including writing, participating in a hobby, using a creative outlet, volunteering or meditating can help you focus on things that are happening in the here-and-now.

Calm your mind and body. Relaxation methods, such as meditation or deep breathing, are useful ways to bring your emotions into balance.

Invest in you. Sometimes it can be important to schedule time just for yourself, to do whatever it is that you need to do to help yourself emotionally. What do you like doing? What are you passionate about? Invest in all areas of your health: nutrition, fitness, relationships, work-life balance and personal hobbies.

Develop resilience. People with resilience are able to cope with stress and emotions in a healthy way. Resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies. These include having social support, keeping a positive view of yourself, accepting change and keeping things in perspective.

Supporting Your Employees’ physical and mental health—and your business

To enjoy better health, it’s important to not only understand the mind-body connection but to have access to the right support and care. How can you support your employees’ journey to better health? Our solutions address both physical and mental health. Built on Johns Hopkins science, our solutions are designed to improve your employees’ well-being, and ultimately that of your business.