5 Ways the Mind Helps to Heal the Body

Using Psychological Approaches to Improve Physical Health

There seems to be a clear connection between how a person thinks and the state of their physical health. In the same way that the body can affect the mind’s state of being, the opposite appears to be true as well.

All the ways the mind helps to heal the body are truly amazing, and are a core part of the early recovery process as well.

Here are five examples and ways the mind helps to heal the body, with our short guide from Purpose Healing Center on this topic based around holistic approaches to health!

1. Enhance Treatment with Positive Expectation  

If nothing else, the placebo effect has been well studied for years. For example, if patients are told that they are receiving a medication that is actually just a sugar pill, they will often report that the treatment is helpful!

No one can be quite sure how the mind can help to heal and interact with the body, but there is evidence to believe that it makes sense to expect the best.

2. Use Positive Affirmations  

Simply affirming to yourself that you are in an ideal state or situation has been shown to have actual health benefits.

By stating the words “I am” followed by a brief, positive statement in the present tense, the body may be able to actually heal faster. Other forms of positive affirmations can include writing a goodbye letter to addiction and journaling about how far you’ve come to boost self-esteem.

All are positive reinforcements on a mental health level that can carry over into physical health.

3. Find a Purpose To Help Live Longer

Studies have shown that people who have a sense of purpose in life actually live longer. If you feel as if you have a reason to get out of bed in the morning, you’re more likely to live that happy and engaged life that people hope for.

Whether you are feeling broken or just a bit low, encouraging a sense of purpose and these positive feelings are shown to correlate with a longer and happier life overall.

4. Be Optimistic to Boost Immunity

During recovery in particular, your body will be going through a healing phase. This is to be expected, and feeling optimistic can actually help your body’s immune system to heal faster too, helping your body to improve overall.

5. Finding a Sense of Gratitude

Being able to be thankful for the good things in your life may actually help your body to recover more quickly as well.

Several studies have shown that the practice of writing gratitude lists and journals can also help to improve the quality of sleep, also helping to increase overall sense of well-being.

6. Socializing With Peers, Friends, and Healthy Family Members

Getting in to contact with friends and loved ones, or even our rehab alumni groups, can help foster a sense of connection and creates a surge in positive brain chemicals as well.

Taking the time to make a call to a friend you’ve lost touch with for a while, or renewing conversations with family members who may have been distant due to substance abuse, can help with healing relationships and overall health!

Reach Out to Purpose for a Foundation in Recovery

We hope you have enjoyed our compact guide on how the mind can help the body heal, maintain, and thrive! If you or a loved one are finding your physical or mental health suffering from the effects of trauma, drugs, or alcohol, our Joint Commission-accredited facility can provide the evidence based foundation needed to get healthy and happy.

All calls to our facility are confidential, so please reach out for our support and to get help at Purpose Healing Center today!