Health & Wellness

How Emotions Affect Our Physical Health?

A healthy diet, regular exercise can help you maintain a good physique. However, emotional stability and good mental health are also equally important to maintain good physical health. We often tend to neglect our mental health, and it affects our physical health. It is indeed both a blessing and a curse to feel emotions so deeply. Each feeling that runs through our minds has a direct impact on our physical well-being. 

Stressful events might lead to an upset stomach, mouth ulcers, or high blood pressure, while a happy moment results in good health, better blood sugar levels, and a reduced risk of heart disorders. Different emotions have different impacts on our bodies. These are as follows:

1. Love

When in love with something or someone, you often notice a racing heart, sweaty palms, constant cheerfulness, pain relief, etc. The simulation of Adrenaline and norepinephrine are responsible for these physical effects.

2. Anger

Anger might cause headaches, insomnia, upset stomach, nausea, or even severe health problems like a heart attack or a stroke. 

3. Fear

Fear makes our face pale, dries out the mouth, and might lead to sweaty foreheads too. These effects happen due to the Autonomic Nervous System, which regulates our blood flow to muscles to prepare us to fight or flight. 

4. Jealousy 

Jealousy is a tricky emotion. An unhealthy version of jealousy can increase your blood pressure, lead to stomach problems, insomnia, headaches, etc.

5. Happiness

 Happiness and good health are synchronous and go hand in hand with each other. This emotion leads to a relaxed body, optimal blood pressure level, and reduced risk of death. 

These are common emotions we feel in our everyday lives, and sometimes they will get the best of us. Then, how do we maintain good mental health? Does it mean we always need to be happy and get rid of all the negative emotions? The answer is NO!

All you need to do is skilfully manage your sentiments. Following are some tips that can help you in managing your emotions. 

1. Understand your emotions and express them appropriately. 

You feel things for a reason. Understand the cause of the emotion you are experiencing. Let your loved ones know the reason behind your happiness or even if something is disturbing you. Do not try to trap or avoid your emotions as it just worsens the situation. 

2. Learn Coping Strategies

Learn to regulate your emotions by practicing coping mechanisms like meditation, music, painting. Find your solace. 

3. Indulge in self-care and practice mindfulness. 

Take care of your body. Have healthy meals, exercise regularly, get a good sleep and express whatever you feel. Be mindful and focus on things that you enjoy. Make a good choice for your benefit. 

Emotions play a cardinal role in maintaining good physical health. Try to outnumber the negative emotions with positive ones. Learn and practice ways to manage and cope with your emotions. If things are not working, approach a therapist or mental health consultant. They can help you enhance your mental health with proper guidance. 

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By: Shruti Srivastva | Life Within