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How Body and Mind Work Together

April 13, 2022

Our minds and bodies are constantly interacting. Many illnesses, for instance, are sparked or made worse by stress. Illness in turn impacts our emotions. We look at how our minds and bodies influence health and healing.

https://p.dw.com/p/49uVe
Her – Women in Asia Folge 6 (body and mind)
Image: DW
Weltyogatag
Image: Gokhan Balci/AA/picture alliance

What is mind-body medicine?

Mind-body-medicine links conventional medicine with naturopathic methods, stress reduction and exercise. It takes into account the interplay between body, mind and emotions. The idea is that people pursue a lifestyle that is good for their health.

 

Symbolbild Meditation
Image: ASA/picture alliance

How to relieve stress?

Stress does not just make us bad-tempered. Chronic stress has been shown to lead to heart disease, back pain or stomach ulcers. Relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, Qigong or meditation can effectively curb stress.

 

Urlaub Strand l Mexiko, Tulum - Liegestühle und Sonnenschirm
Image: blickwinkel/McPHOTO/picture alliance

Getting the most out of your staycation

One study of vacationers showed that on average, blood pressure dropped 6%, quality of sleep improved by 17%, and ability to cope with stress improved by 29%. But what about holidaying at home? Staycations can be effective too, IF you prepare well…

 

Symbolbild I Lachs
Image: picture-alliance/N. Okhitin

Can you eat your way to happiness?

People who tend to be in a good mood have fewer stress hormones in their blood and get sick less. Food can help here: complex carbohydrates, proteins and omega 3 fatty acids provide the brain with everything it needs to produce happiness hormones.

 

DW In Good Shape | Vagusnerv
Image: SWR

What stimulates the vagus nerve?

The vagus nerve sends information from our heart, kidneys and digestive organs to the brain. It can lower blood pressure, stimulate the immune system and boost motivation. German scientists have developed an electrical stimulator for the vagus nerve.

 

DW | In Good Shape | Aurelia Damann
Image: DW

How to stretch your shoulders?

Fitness instructor Aurelia Damann shows us how to stretch our shoulders correctly.

 

 

 

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