Healing yourself doesn’t have to involve going to the doctor and taking medicine. Rather, it’s about practicing healing methods that are free and doable in your everyday life.
Getting in touch with your soul, energy, spirit or whatever you call it is key to self healing. Ancient teachings and modern science are increasingly proving that the mind, body, and soul are connected.
Meditation
Meditation is an ancient practice that has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body. Studies have shown that it can help reduce blood pressure, and lower the chances of having heart disease or other cardiovascular problems.
It can also be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. Meditation can help to slow down the nervous system, keeping it in control of the involuntary functions that go hand in hand with feelings of anxiety.
It is important to note that healing meditation does not mean thinking no thoughts. Instead, it is about observing your thoughts from a different perspective and choosing where to place your attention. This is how you heal your mind and soul. This is a process that takes time and commitment, but it is well worth the effort.
Yoga
Yoga is a practice that integrates physical, mental, and spiritual health. Its meditative elements help improve mental clarity and calmness, and its physical movements help increase strength and balance. It can also aid in the prevention of chronic illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Regular yoga also helps individuals overcome feelings of lethargy and apathy by promoting healthy sleep habits and improving cognitive skills. It may also relieve symptoms of depression and reduce anxiety and stress levels, which contribute to many chronic diseases.
In addition, yoga can improve digestion, boost immune function, and reduce symptoms of chronic pain, including low back pain, migraines, and tension-type headaches. It can also be an effective tool for managing the effects of trauma and PTSD.
Exercise
Therapeutic exercise is a holistic practice that nourishes the mind and body on a path toward natural healing. It involves physical movements designed to improve flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination and balance.
Regular exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, combatting stress and dissipating negative emotions. It also stimulates brain function and memory retention.
As the coronavirus crisis continues to spread and people are sheltering in place, many individuals are experiencing new anxiety and stresses. Broad Spartan alumna Carrie Dorr, founder of Pure Barre, Soul Day Foundation and O44 Method, is offering MSU community members a series of at-home workout classes and journaling exercises to ease stress during this time. The workouts are available for free, and can be done in the comfort of one’s home.
Diet
The foods you eat can have a huge impact on your health. Loading up on processed ingredients that increase inflammation, tank energy levels and contribute to disease can make you feel awful, but filling up on healthy, whole foods that promote healing can help to ease symptoms and protect against chronic illness.
The healing foods diet limits sugar, processed ingredients and unhealthy fats and encourages nutritious, whole foods like fruits, veggies, legumes, healthy fats, organic meats and herbs and spices. This simple eating plan helps to reduce inflammation, stabilize blood sugar levels, fight against disease and prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Older adults in our study who practiced self-healing described the process as involving three main aspects, physiology, psychology and interpersonal relations. Self-healing also includes a willingness to let go of stress, maintaining positive relationships and optimism and exercising regularly.
Self-Care
Self-care is a form of healing that involves incorporating healthy lifestyle behaviors into daily life. It often includes activities such as exercising, eating a balanced diet and getting enough sleep. It also includes emotional healing practices like practicing mindfulness and establishing boundaries.
Self-healing is a lifelong journey, and it may take time to find the best routines for you. Start by making a list of the areas of your life that you want to improve and create goals for yourself. This could include anything from taking a bubble bath to learning to set boundaries with others.
A mental health professional can be a valuable part of this process and help you develop an effective self-healing plan. They can teach you how to meditate, exercise, eat a healthy diet and practice positive self-talk.
