We’ve all heard how important it is to eat right and exercise right. Greens, fiber, fresh stuff, power walks. All fabulous. But how many of us are aware that what goes on in our heads is just as important, if not more so? Bones, for example, are directly affected by anxiety.

Our bones are designed to carry our weight. This helps ensure a healthy distribution of minerals. Muscles are designed to move us. When we’re anxious our muscles tense up and over time they stiffen and begin to take over the role of our skeleton. Minerals are redistributed, which in turn creates a loss in bone density. Before long, there’s a broken hip.

Anxiety and stress also affect the way we digest our food, so we don’t absorb all the nutrients, or worse still, acids deteriorate stomach lining. Left unchecked this can even lead to stomach ulcers. We’re literally eating ourselves. Our bodies age not just because of time, but also because of how we inhabit them. So how, especially during tax time do we live and let thrive?

This same body is very wise. It carries our experiences in its cells. Tap into this wisdom and you can be free from the stress cycle. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or tense or upset in anyway, take a moment to listen. What are you feeling? Where in your body do you feel it? You’ll be surprised at how instantly you’ll be drawn to a place in your body – your heart perhaps, your stomach, your forehead. Place a hand on that place on your body. Listen to what is happening there. You’ll get an answer: ‘I’m afraid’ ‘I’m angry’ ‘I’m exhausted.’ Acknowledge and accept that emotion. Be with it. Don’t try to change or push it away. What will then happen is a natural easing. Just like us all, the body just needs to be heard. Once you’ve heard it, it will relax a little. Then be open to whatever comes next – an insight, a release, a letting go. In the stillness you’ll start to hear your own voice. Your own heartbeat. And that’s where the fun begins.

The best antidote to stress and anxiety is fun. Pure and simple. What inspires you? What touches your heart? What makes you smile? Intentionally bringing just one of those into your day, each day, will make a huge difference. Do something spontaneous. Run barefoot, send a card, eat spaghetti, do a somersault, email a joke to a friend. Small things add up and before long you’ll forget what was eating you in the first place.

Rachel Flower

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