Wise words from Dr. Mark Hyman….
“Your thoughts have real and measurable effects on your body and brain. Your immune cells know your deepest feelings. Your stem cells are wired to your brain and help you repair and regenerate. But they only turn on and make new brain cells when you relax. And I don’t mean sipping a glass of Chardonnay while watching TV or practicing retail therapy. In school, we all learned how to read and write, but we never learned how to use our minds to help us with the most important survival skills of all: staying happy and healthy! Research has shown over and over again that learning to relax is one of the most important keys to long-term health and vitality. To engage the powerful forces of the mind on the body, you must DO something. Learn how to ACTIVELY relax. Whether you practice deep breathing or take a simple leisurely walk, find an active relaxation that works for you and do it. Here are a few more ideas on how to push your pause button:
1) Make choices that make your life balanced — practice saying “NO” to others and “YES” to yourself.
2) Try yoga or meditation.
3) Get enough sleep.
4) Eat whole foods that decrease the stress response”
Credit: Dr. Mark Hyman