Mind-Body Connection
Your body responds to the way you think, feel, and act. When you are experiencing poor emotional health, you may not be taking care of yourself as best as you can by exercising, eating right, or following your doctor's orders. A good goal for anyone, then, is to try to achieve the highest sense of well-being that is possible. You want to live the happiest and healthiest life within the context of MS.
Mind-body medicine integrates modern scientific medicine, psychology, nutrition, exercise, physiology, and belief to enhance the natural healing capacities of body and mind. Many practitioners use a three-pronged approach when it comes to illness: conventional drugs, surgery (if needed), and self-care, which includes mind-body interventions.
There are many ways you can achieve a state of well-being, and although some may seem somewhat foreign to you, they may be worth investigating. You want to have a toolbox full of coping strategies so you are better equipped to handle the challenges of living with MS.
Fact
You've heard the warnings that stress can lead to heart disease, or that inadequate rest can leave you more vulnerable to colds and flu. Research has also shown that people who get their feelings out in the open, who have the support of community and friends, and who are able to distract themselves from pain, are typically more happy and hopeful and also better able to cope with an illness.
