Making the connection about how our mind and body work together is an important part of being healthy. Our mental perspective often affects our physical well-being, and the reverse is true as well. Tuning into what our body is telling us can be helpful for improving our mood and overall outlook on life. We have choices in how we can care for our ourselves. It begins with a simple scan of how you are feeling head to toe, inside and out. Often times our moods and emotions are directly related to how we are caring for ourselves at that time. One example of this is why we feel better after we exercise. Exercise increases blood flow and the natural mood elevating chemicals in our body that help us to feel better. By taking a daily inventory of how we are feeling physically and emotionally, we can start to invite connection between the two.

Below are some helpful ways that you can tune into how your body is speaking and help care for it:

• Be thankful and appreciative of at least one element of your body every day. We often overlook and take for granted what our bodies are doing well. Appreciation is the key to staying positive and continued success in self-care.
• BREATHE! Pay attention to your breathing throughout the day. Taking time to notice and slow down your breathing is one of the best ways to combat stress and fatigue.
• Start your day with a glass of water… 50% to 60% of your body weight is water! One of the main causes of headaches is dehydration.
• Take note of the first nutrition that you give your body in the morning. Think of food as fuel and put the best gas you can into your tank. You will most likely follow this pattern into the rest of the day and evening. People often feel better the days that they are eating well and getting the nutrition that they need. Remember that your brain requires glucose to function properly.
• Ask yourself if you are getting the rest you need to fulfill the demands you are asking of your mind and body. Fatigue can aggravate depression and other psychological and physiological symptoms.
• When was the last time you exercised? Exercise clears the mind as well as the body, and has been proven to decrease symptoms of depression.
• Ask yourself where in your body you feel the emotions you are not expressing. Thoughts and emotions that are not expressed often lead to physical symptoms such as stomachaches, headaches, acid reflux, neck and back pain.
• Seek out quality collaborative health care. Find practitioners who will work together to give you the best care possible, and who are willing to look at multiple approaches to a problem or issue.
• We have one body to take us throughout lives - treat it as you would any cherished relationship. If we neglect our bodies they tell us. What has yours been telling you?

Referral sources that you may find helpful:

• www.bellevuechiropracticassociates.com
• Candace Aasan, LN, NP (425) 576-8017
• Scott Rose, NP (425) 576-8017
• www.chensacupuncture.com
• www.overlakefamilymedicine.com
• www.redmondmassage.com