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There are many ways the mind can affect the physical body. Soft Belly Breathing can bring a sense of relaxation and body awareness.

Facing adversity is a natural part of the human experience. When situations arise and we find ourselves feeling fear, worry or anxiety, we often focus on those thoughts and lose sight of the people, places and things we are grateful for.

You can only take a breath in the present moment; not the past and not the future. Mindful awareness practices often begin by paying attention to breathing. One reason for this is that the breath is the bridge between our sympathetic (“fight or flight”) and parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) nervous systems.

A mindful body scan makes us aware of how our body is feeling and bring us into the present moment. This is a type of mindfulness that connects our breath to the sensations of our body. We acknowledge parts of the body that might be experiencing pain and discomfort and learn to relax areas where we might be holding tension. The body scan can allow us to let go of some of the things causing us stress, even if only temporarily.

One of the best things we can do for our health is to allot time to rest and relax. Regular periods of relaxation decrease our heart rate and blood pressure, improve our sleep, help maintain normal blood sugar levels, reduce stress hormones, improve our concentration and mood, and so much more.

Injuries, inflammation, the passage of time, and lifestyle choices change our bodies. How we think of our bodies can affect how we feel about ourselves.

Nature speaks in a universal language, understandable by all. Since we can learn about our surroundings, we can use nature to enhance our mindful awareness.

It's important to schedule time for the things you enjoy. Consider neurotransmitters and hormones: they trigger happiness when you experience joy.

Mindful breathing increases the flow of oxygen to your brain and allows your nervous system to promote a state of calmness. As your body experiences this state of calmness, you may learn to quiet your mind.

Living busy lives can sometimes mean that we prioritize ourselves last. When we make our lists of activities, chores, work tasks, and family obligations, we often neglect our own self-care. Being able to pause and find a few moments for ourselves may sound like a luxury, but the science behind these mindful pauses is compelling.

Music therapy is the evidence-based use of music for a therapeutic purpose. It can help promote relaxation, reduce depression and anxiety, and even help with pain management.

VA reminds Women Veterans: Whole Health is about treating you, the person. We want you to consider the big picture of your life, not just one symptom. Take the first step in making health a priority.