We hear a lot today about the mind-body connections. How we think impacts how we feel. How we feel impacts how we think. The process involves controlling neurochemical transmissions in the body. When we think on good things, encourage others and are kind to one another, we feel better and activate health in our body.

For most us, this requires an intentional process. It’s easy to go negative and focus on problems. But when you understand how an act of kindness or a positive thought affects your physical body, it might motivate you to make some changes.

When you focus on a positive act or thought, your body is calm. You breath better, digest better and lower your blood pressure. Muscles loosen, your immune system peaks, and your inflammatory response calms down. A positive attitude will help you resist illness and recover quicker if you do get ill. It also helps you cope with adversity because the brain is producing substances that can create better health.

But change that thought to a negative one, and the body begins to go into the danger mode. Those thoughts keep the brain from producing helpful chemicals. The heart beats irregularly, breathing becomes more shallow, stress increases, muscles tighten, and the inflammatory response is awakened. Negative thoughts and actions create a stress and danger response in the body.Worry and stress lead to all kinds of negative physical responses like increased pain, stomach problems and infection.

If you want to live in good emotional health, be aware of your thoughts and feelings. The mind-body connection is a resource you have and can use anytime. Cope with stress by trying to see the up side of a difficult situation. Journal or discuss the positive things that have happened during the day. Look for ways to feel grateful and focus your mind on those. Meditate on God and His goodness, His care for you, and His presence in your life. Give thanks on a regular basis. Think about the fact that you are never alone and the promise of eternity.

“…whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” Philippians 4:8