Physical health can have a direct impact on your emotional wellness. You may have thought that since anxiety is created in the mind, that it could only be resolved in the mind. However, emotional energies exist in the body, and you'd be wise to consider both aspects in your recovery. Without taking proper care of both your mind and body, will simply not be able to avoid or manage stress and anxiety as well as you would otherwise.
You've probably heard it a hundred times, but a few major components of a healthy anti-anxiety lifestyle are proper diet and nutrition, good sleeping habits, and regular exercise. What you may not have been aware of is that a deficiency in any one of these areas can actually contribute to stress, anxiety, and depression, and may be having more of a negative impact on your emotional life than you realize.
For example, improper diet and nutrition can cause changes in brain chemistry
that leave you less able to cope with problems and emotional reactions. If you
drink coffee, soda, or other caffeinated beverages regularly, you are going
to be more prone to stress, anxiety, anger, and general nervousness.
Lack of proper sleep can cause lethargy, irritability, make you less productive,
and eventually contribute to depression.
And lack of exercise can contribute to stress and amplify a wide variety of adverse emotions. Our bodies were designed for physical activity. Modern conveniences have made it possible to live without much physical movement, but without replacement activity that can also mean a lot of excess body energy, that in the right environment can easily transform into higher anxiety levels. Exercise is probably one of the best initial anti anxiety defenses, and can work wonders in enhancing your mental and emotional state.
These few facts are of course not intended as a complete course in health and nutrition - there is plenty of material out there should you wish to increase your knowledge of the subject. Always consult a doctor before making changes to your diet or fitness program.
For now, just know that failing to take proper physical care of yourself can very well become the weak link in your efforts toward emotional improvement. Listen to and repeat the following affirmations from time to time to be reminded of some general healthy habits.
• I appreciate my body, and I
appreciate its service to me.
• I am taking steps to take care of my body and be healthy.
• I eat in moderation. I avoid overeating. I stop eating when I am full.
• I eat healthy, nutritional foods and keep my diet balanced.
• I take vitamins and minerals, and eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.
• I make an effort to get an adequate amount of sleep every night.
• I put all my worries aside when I sleep so that my mind can rest.
• I eat dinner well in advance of sleep so that my digestive system can
rest while I sleep.
• I avoid cigarettes and alcohol because they can wear on my emotional
energy.
• Cigarettes and alcohol destroy my body and mind. I choose to respect
my body.
• I no longer need cigarettes or alcohol to feel comfortable.
• I am OK with any feelings I have while discontinuing unhealthy habits.
• I limit my intake of caffeine and refined sugar, which can elevate stress
levels.
• I drink plenty of water. Drinking water can help reduce fatigue and
purify my system.
• I limit my consumption of red meat, and avoid animal fats in general.
• I am physically fit. I live a healthy, active, anti anxiety lifestyle.
• I exercise regularly. I enjoy exercising.
• My body and mind are healthy. My heart is strong.
• Exercise releases mental tension, and restores my inner strength.
• If my health efforts getting off track, it's ok, I simply refocus on
healthy behaviors.
• I am proud of my self-discipline to take care of myself.
• I compliment and congratulate myself for my health efforts.
• Life energy flows through my body in greater amounts everyday.
