Protecting your Mind, Body, and Spirit

Something I have learned over the last couple of years is how I keep parts of my life guarded. This post is going to be a little vulnerable on my end.

After meaningful reflection on my life for the last couple of years, I have realized that I have grown so much. I have graduated from Utah State with a Bachelors of Science in Social Work. This field has allowed me to become more well versed on topics of mental health and wellness. This is something that has fascinated me- especially when I have personally gone through a mental health battle for years.

Today I want to talk about the importance of mental and physical health complimenting each other.

For the last couple of years, my health has not been the greatest. Throughout my high school years, I was constantly active and exercising everyday. I was on the varsity tennis team and would constantly practice for hours. I had a high metabolism and felt healthy.

I am obviously not in high school anymore and when we age, we need to actively work on bettering our health with the risk that it will decline. When impacted by a stressor or a traumatic event, our bodies can go into a panic mode or shut down. This is how I have felt for years. For example, after experiencing a significant amount of trauma, my hair started to change due to stress. My once long, coarse hair had become brittle and I began to lose it more often. It began to thin. I also started to gain weight in my face and in other areas of my body.

I share because I know how it feels to go through a mental health crisis. I understand that many go through the same issues that I have.

I have learned that as much as it is important to take care of your mind, it is as equally important to take care of your body. The mind and the body compliment each other. When one is weak, the other struggles. For example, our emotions affect our body parts. Our stomach is severely impacted by anxiety and it manifests itself with stomach pains when felt.

It has been very difficult trying to find a balance of staying healthy and discouraging, but I have taken charge of trying to keep my body and mind aligned with each other in purpose to benefit my soul and well being.

Some things that I am trying to prioritize is daily exercise and taking vitamins and supplements that can offer more of a boost to my health.

I encourage you all to reflect on areas in your life that are hindering your spirit. Ask yourself if your mental and physical health are complimenting each other. If they aren’t, think of some personal goals to set to make sure they align with each other. Your health is important!

For those struggling with physical changes and mental health struggles accompanied with grief, I see you. Be kind and patient with yourself.

Love, Marissa