Perfect Health
The health of the body is directly linked to the mind.
Mind body science is making major leaps in our understanding of the relationship of mind/body and the impact we can have on our physical health through our mind/body system.
In a recently published study, researchers found that depression-related stress results in the significant shortening of telomeres—the caps at the ends of chromosomes—an indication of accelerated aging!
The publication of this study emphasizes the importance of minimizing the impact of internal and environmental stress on the body. An estimated 75-90% of visits to primary care physicians are now related to the effects of stress, and this new study documents how lethal stress can be to our well-being and longevity.
Of course not all stress is bad. The stress of exercise or learning a new language are actually seen as positive stress which results in less inflammation and stress on the body. It is our perception of the stress that often times create the negative reality.
One of the best ways to create less stress in the body and mind is to take a mental vacation. Whether through meditation or self-hypnosis, this mental break will allow your mind and body to deeply rest.
In clinical studies self-hypnosis and meditation have actually been proven to improve the function and size of the pre-frontal cortex by increasing the blood flow to this part of the brain. This is an incredibly important part of the mind and for those of you with problems with impulse- control; this is the part of the mind to develop. Teenagers do not have a fully functioning pre-frontal cortex which is one the reasons most teens make such bad decisions.
The pre-frontal cortex also involves executive decision making or strategic thinking and is sometimes called the seat of good judgment. It is a major part of a person’s personality and if damaged can change the person personality dramatically.
When a person has a well developed pre-frontal cortex they are more likely to be able to keep to an exercise and diet. They are also the type of person who will plan their lives and be able to delay gratification which is the hallmark of a healthy person. Again, the best way to enhance the pre-frontal cortex is using self-hypnosis or meditation.