Spirit Mind Introduction

Our minds and our bodies are connected in many ways.

Stress and anxiety cause release of hormones that have physical effects.  These can be appropriate and necessary in preparing us for "fight or flight" but, particularly when there is no resulting physical activity, these same hormones can undermine our physical health - raising our blood pressure, putting our heart under strain, leading to fatigue and also may weaken our immune system.

Equally, physical activity, as well as having beneficial physical effects on our bones, joints and muscles, has a positive effect on our mind, mood, and feelings.  Physical activity can lead to the release of endorphins (the body's natural pain killers) making us feel better and provides the natural way to turn off the stress response described above.

So, there are two really good reasons for taking active measures to help with mental, psychological and spiritual well being as well as the physical.  First, stress and anxiety are common symptoms in patients with cancer and dealing with them is just as important as addressing pain in achieving best quality of life.  Second, actively taking measure to improve mood, and spiritual well being, is likely to contribute to our physical health and support the body's natural healing and repair mechanisms that are helping us live well with our cancer.

There are lots of different ways you can help improve your psychological and spiritual well being and there are links to these on the spirit mind overview page, Like all the other aspects of PlanBe, repetition is an important aspect to getting the best result.

So, review the options you find here or elsewhere, choose something (or a couple of things) that appeals to you, include it (them) in your PlanBe, Plan and Do; Track and Journal.

Good luck!