Discover ways to maximize your health by improving your self-worth and confidence!
Have you ever stopped to consider how your thoughts about yourself contribute to your health and well-being? Study after study tells us that feeling valued and appreciated helps us to be more motivated, productive, and enhance our sense of well-being. Recent research points out that the impact of diminished self-worth is even more detrimental to our health as we get older. It seems that when we are already carrying the stress of negative self-talk, any additional stress that enters our lives can cause cortisol, one of our major stress hormones, to elevate significantly. Elevated cortisol levels have been linked with an increased risk for a variety of chronic conditions such as diabetes, elevated blood pressure, and even mood disorders. On the other hand, other studies found that when we have truly accepted and embraced who we are, we are better able to handle external criticisms, our moods are better, and we cope more effectively with stress. So, what are some of the ways that diminished self-worth can impact your health and what can you do to help counteract this stressor?
Your thoughts can be your biggest support system, or they can be your greatest saboteur. They are with you 24 hours a day and you cannot physically escape them. Feeling constantly attacked or belittled, whether it comes from the outside or from your own thoughts, can trigger a series of responses that have far reaching consequences. You can over engage your stress system, which can lead to signs of chronic stress such as insomnia, poor dietary choices, weight gain, and even foggy thinking. All of these symptoms can add fuel to the health fire. Lack of sleep has been shown to increase inflammation, contribute to weight gain, and increase the risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. It has been noted that when we are tired and stressed, we tend to reach for foods that are high in sugars and refined carbohydrates, thus depriving ourselves of fiber and nutrients of whole grains. This is in addition to the inflammation and weight gain these foods can cause.
So how do we combat these thoughts?
First, we need to be aware and acknowledge these thoughts when they show up. It’s important to remember that many times these thoughts are not true. For example, saying, “I always fail at everything I try,” is not a true statement. Remind yourself of the things you did master. You need to replace the negative thoughts with ones that are positive, but true.
Fight back by getting active. Go for a brisk walk or take your bicycle out for a spin. Exercise floods the brain with chemicals that can actually enhance your moods, allow you to think more clearly, and increase your energy levels.
Start and end the day with the things that brought you comfort, joy, and gratitude that day. Write it down and really feel the gratitude in each statement.
By EUDENE HARRY MD
Physician, Medical Lifestyle Expert, Author, & Speaker
drharrymd. com
Eudene Harry MD is the medical director for Oasis Wellness and Rejuvenation Center, a wellness practice devoted to integrative holistic care. She is a veteran physician with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Harry earned her medical degree and performed her residency at Thomas Jefferson University.
Dr. Harry is the author of three books designed to empower the individual to get started on their path to optimal health. She has published extensively on the topics of reducing stress, healthy lifestyle choices, and regaining youthfulness. She regularly contributes to television and radio shows nationwide.