Your Brain is making you SICK!!!
The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Health — And Why You Can’t Ignore It
Most people are in denial that their overall body health and the health of their mind are indeed connected.
To me, a quiet small-town girl with a passion to heal those around her, it seems very obvious that the two need each other to thrive. I’m not a doctor, but I feel I have done enough of my own research and studying to be one by now! I have observed, I have listened, and I have tested the theories out on myself over the past 36 years.
It’s common sense (or at least it should be) that when we feel upset all the time, are stressing about random things that don’t matter, and big things that do… our bodies are not happy. Then, when our body isn’t happy, we feel ill. Our immune system gets lazy, it’s no longer able to stand up to those pesky germs, and before you know it — we’re sicker than a dog!
The Science Backs It Up
Here’s what research says (for those who like receipts):
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Chronic stress keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode, flooding it with cortisol. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a weaker immune system.
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Anxiety and depression have been linked to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and digestive problems.
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Your gut and brain are in constant communication through something called the gut–brain axis. A stressed brain can cause stomach problems, and an unhealthy gut can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.
Real-Life Proof You’ve Probably Felt
Think about it — when you’ve had a really bad week:
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Your shoulders get tight.
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Your sleep goes out the window.
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You catch every cold going around.
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You have no energy for the things you normally enjoy.
That’s not a coincidence. That’s your mind and body having a conversation — and right now, they’re gossiping about how burnt out you are.
How to Take Care of Both
The good news? If the mind and body are connected, then working on one can help heal the other.
Here are some things I’ve learned (and lived) that really make a difference:
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Breathe on purpose – Even two minutes of slow, deep breathing can lower stress hormones.
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Move daily – Not to lose weight, not to look a certain way — just to move your energy around and keep your body strong.
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Eat food that loves you back – Whole, nourishing foods help your body fight illness and your mind feel more stable.
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Speak kindly to yourself – Negative self-talk is like feeding your brain spoiled milk. It will make you sick from the inside out.
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Rest without guilt – Sleep is when your brain cleans house and your body repairs itself.
The Bottom Line
You can’t pour into your life if your cup is empty. Your mind and body are not separate teams — they’re partners. When one is hurting, the other is too. And when you care for both? That’s when you truly start to thrive.
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?????? What can you do to help yourself ??????
Gardening is a Natural Medicine for the Mind and Body
If you want a simple, affordable way to boost your mental and physical health, let me tell you — a garden might just be your answer. Whether it’s a community garden or a little patch of earth in your own backyard, spending time with plants and soil does way more than give you pretty flowers and fresh tomatoes. Gardening is medicine for the soul, and the more time you spend in it, the more you feel that truth deep down.
1. You’re more likely to eat healthy.
When you grow your own food, you naturally start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. There’s something about pulling a carrot from the ground or plucking a tomato off the vine that makes it taste better than anything from the store. And because you worked for it, you want to eat it.
2. It lowers stress hormones.
Studies have shown that gardening can lower cortisol levels (that pesky stress hormone). Add in fresh air, sunshine, and a little movement, and your brain starts releasing those happy chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.
3. Gardening is grounding.
Literally. Touching the earth connects you to the natural world in a physical way. When your hands are in the soil, your body releases built-up static and stress — almost like the earth is taking in the bad and giving you calm in return. This grounding can help quiet racing thoughts and bring you back to the present moment.
4. It strengthens community connections.
If you join a community garden, you’re not just growing plants — you’re growing friendships. Sharing tips, trading seeds, and helping each other’s plots creates a support system that naturally lifts your mood and sense of belonging.
5. It moves your body without feeling like “exercise.”
Bending, lifting, digging, and carrying water all count as movement, but it’s so enjoyable you don’t even realize you’re exercising. That physical activity improves circulation, strengthens muscles, and supports heart health.
6. It’s free therapy you can take daily.
There’s something about watching a seed turn into a plant that feeds you — body and soul. It teaches patience, hope, and resilience. Plants don’t grow overnight, and neither do we.
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