Would you honestly believe me if I told you that mental health is the driver of your physical health? According to Psychology Today, this is a fact! If you closely examine chemical effects on the mind and body, you will see that your thoughts are the driving force. If your thoughts are pleasant or resilient then your body will release “feel good” chemicals like oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine. However, if your thoughts trigger feelings of stress, then your body will release adrenaline, cortisol, histamines, and other hormones which can wreak havoc on the body. We all know that too much cortisol leads to belly fat. The key is not to try to avoid stressors, but to learn how to respond in a way that’s favorable to your body. One way is to simply breathe deeply. By breathing deeply, your body receives the message that “everything is ok” at least for now. Then, add a constructive balanced thought which includes both emotion and logic. For example, if you’re having a tough day at work you could say to yourself, “I feel overwhelmed. This moment will pass. AND if I take some time to myself this evening, I know that I will feel better.” Even if you’re skeptical, it won’t hurt to try. Be well.