This is sponsored content from BlogHer and Crystal Light.
In the past few weeks, Crystal Light and BlogHer have asked how I eat healthy while away from home, how I keep hydrated, and about my body image?
This week they ask me a big one: How does my emotional health effect my physical health?
A. Lot.
Over the past couple of years I have had to deal with chronic health conditions of loved ones. Day in and day out conditions that leave me in a constant state of worry, not to mention literally keeping me up some nights.
I find that when I am emotionally drained, my body becomes drained as well. And I wish I could say that I’ve found some magic way to recharge my batteries. But we all know that as mothers it’s difficult for us to ever turn it off.
I used to take a few yoga classes each week and take walks at lunchtime. It seems like I hardly have a minute to spare during the day. I bet if I could get outside for some fresh air (alone) or do a vinyasa or two, the benefit would be twofold: refreshing both my mind and my body.
Conversely, I have to wonder how much my physical health affects my emotional health. Last summer I slipped in the kitchen, hurting my wrist. I knew something was wrong. I have a high pain threshold and it hurt like a mother…
I kept going back for x-rays which showed no broken bones. The hand specialist said if it was a sprain it would resolve itself in a few months. Months.
Well those months went by and it still hurt. The next step was injecting dye into the joint and doing an MRI. I have to say that the valium they gave me in case I got claustrophobic did the trick. I don’t think I’ve felt that relaxed in a long time, well not since I had that mole removed, lol.
It wasn’t conclusive and the next step was surgery. Right before Christmas I went into surgery not knowing what was wrong and I came out immobilized from my knuckles to my arm pit with my arm at a 90 degree angle, palm up. In the middle of winter.
I think that the chronic pain issues I’ve had this past year have been detrimental to my emotional health. It just wears on you. It wears you down. Even today I have a certain level of discomfort. Some days it makes me cranky, some days it makes me tired. And some days it makes me a person I don’t want to be.
It’s amazing the mind/body connection that exists in each of us.
Giveaway!
How about a little something to help keep your emotions in check? I am giving away a $100 Visa Gift Card this month courtesy of Crystal Light and BlogHer. Each Monday this month you will have even more chances to win (I will combine all entries/comments to select the winner so make sure to enter on each post).
To enter: (Required) Entries closed
Leave a comment telling me how your emotions affect your physical health.
One Extra Entry:
Tweet or blog about this giveaway linking to this post. (Leave a separate comment including the link to your tweet or blog post.)
Even More Ways to Win:
Check out the other bloggers’ reviews because there are 6 other chances to win $100 as well as a $1,000 sweepstakes on the round-up page! Visit: BlogHer.com CLB exclusive offers page
Rules:
- Entries close August 31, 2010
- US mailing address only
- Read the official rules
{ 15 comments }
When I’m stressed, I don’t feel well. This week the kids are starting school and I’m really nervous for them. I’ve been up since 4:30 this morning and have gone to the bathroom 4 times already! I feel sick to my stomach.
I’ve found that when I’m nervous or anxious, I tend to want to snack more often. Also when I’m feeling bored. I try to keep an eye on that and make sure that I realize what I’m doing and choose a HEALTHY snack (carrots and dip or hummus, etc). Or sometimes I’ll go on a walk instead or curl up beside my husband and talk out how I’m feeling and that always makes me feel better!
I have experienced a very emotionally painful time in my marriage. This lasted for about a year as I recovered. Our marriage is back on track but the pain in my chest still happens from time to time just like it did when I was in the throes of the upheaval. I wonder sometimes if I damaged something physically during that time of emotional heartbreak.
I’ve been suffering from chronic pelvic pain for the past 3 years and it wasn’t until about January that I realized what a “pain” I was becoming. I was yelling at my kids more often, being snippy at work and just not enjoying life. I hadn’t had a real vacation in ~8 years so I took my kids to the Dominican Republic for two weeks. I came back pain free and amazingly happy, not sure if because I was truly relaxed or I was given medication while there. Now my pain is back full force but I’ve vowed to get to the bottom of it and to be pain free and a joy to be around for my kids. I’ve been barely living for the past 3 years and I’d like for my children to look back fondly on their childhood. I think being pain free is the key to it all.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and my emotions do have an affect on my body. When I’m feeling low my pain threshold is lower and I hurt more. Swimming is a great way for me to relax and feel better mentally and physically. Thanks for the contest.
http://twitter.com/slehan/status/22465551339
I do skip meals from time to time when I’m down or busy. However I always remember to drink water regardless of mood.
tweet.http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/22497849831
I have chronic tmj and if I don’t exercise or drink water, I have extreme pain. I try not to skip breakfast ever. I have found when you don’t take care of your body it has a way of shutting down on you!
Leahforlove(at)aol(dot)com
I am in a never-ending circle. I have chronic depression and fibromyalgia so the mental effects the emotional and the physical effects the emotional.
Tweety tweet
http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/22546161133
Thanks
I’m an emotional eater so my emotions definitely affect my body… I gravitate towards fats, carbs & sweets when I’m stressed.
I have chronic tmj and when I am mental exhausted, the tmj really hurts. As long as I do yoga and drink plenty of water, it can be controlled.
My emotional completely affects my physical. When I “feel” better, I can “do” more!
Like many people I eat to reduce stress, so my emotions can badly effect my physical health.
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