Don't Forget To Breath. Literally.

When we're going through something - work-related, relationship, family, etc. - our mind is wired to wholly focus on the concern for the reason that we want it to be done and over with. Unfortunately, time can be excruciatingly slow when the solution is not immediately available or possible and the process of waiting is stressful. Although we can control our thoughts and divert our focus on other things, we still find ourselves going back to what is bothering us until we find solution/s to address our concern. It's inevitable that emotions are involved in the thought process. Our mind thinks, but our emotions are synchronized with our thoughts.

More often than not, we unconsciously hold our breath (if you haven't noticed before, maybe you would now). We may be breathing with our nose, but there's the suspension of breathing in our stomach. That, plus the feeling of being upset, or angry, or bitter, or disappointed, and other rational, but negative emotions -- and think that in increment for days-- the end-result could jeopardize our health. Chest congestion, back pain, tensed muscles, fever, asthma - do they ring a bell?

When you notice your stomach, that hollow part just a little (probably 2-3 inches) below  the sternum, getting harder, you're not having your desired rock-hard abs (lol). It's a sure-sign that you have to take stock what you have been thinking and where your thoughts are leading you. If you ignore it, you could suffer the consequences of the uncontrolled thoughts. Don't compound the stress by getting sick from unchecked thoughts and emotions. Medical bills are high, and please, don't speed the degeneration of your body. Life is beautiful, streeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeetch it for as long as you can.

Stop your thoughts. You know, MIND OVER MATTER. And take a deep breath, inhale with your nose and exhale with your mouth. Repeat the process until you notice that oxygen (as if you could notice the oxygen's movement, but you get my drift, hopefully...) is circulating freely in your brain and lungs (sorry, I don't know how to fully describe this clinically, but maybe my sisters [who are in med school] could...maybe I should have them as guests in my blog). It's not the solution to everything, but it's a start to think rationally again, this time with clearer head.

I found some great reads (no medical jargon, so the dullard like me is quite ecstatic) to fully understand the relationship of the mind and bodies. These may be of help:

https://www.brainpickings.org/2015/07/20/esther-sternberg-balance-within-stress-emotion/

https://www.brainpickings.org/2014/06/23/nothing-jo-marchant-heal-thyself/

http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/prevention-wellness/emotional-wellbeing/mental-health/mind-body-connection-how-your-emotions-affect-your-health.html

Stay healthy! And positive! And alive! :)