Every Cell In Your Body ...

Is Eavesdropping On Your Thoughts.

I'll say it again...

Every cell in your body is eavesdropping on your thoughts.

In other words, what you think about matters. Your thoughts impact how you feel and those feelings can effect changes in your body's chemistry.

Have you ever been so angry that you start shaking? That's a simple example of a chemical change happening in your body as a result of a feeling that you're experiencing.

Taking it a step further ... how you think and feel directly impact how you behave: what you do or don't do.

I'll give you an example.

This morning, I was thinking about the inflated estimate I received two weeks ago from a car dealership for repairs. I only know it's inflated because I received a second opinion from a mechanic who said so. Here I am thinking about the $600 I spent on 1 required repair vs the $1200 estimate I was given for the 1 repair and 3 other unnecessary repairs. And guess what ... I was more than mildly upset.

So now I'm angry (the feeling) about what I'm thinking about (the estimate) and my head feels hot (chemical change ... adrenaline is running) and my heart is racing (adrenaline and likely some stress hormone being activated aka cortisol). And now my anger is impacting my behaviors ... how so? Well, guess who wrote the dealership a letter explaining the situation, explaining my thoughts and feelings about the situation, and justifying my request for a refund for the amount I had to spend at the dealership for my car to be released? And guess who feels better?

Me.

Our thoughts have power. That power can elicit a feeling in us that propels us into action. Like the above example. I needed to send that email to let this dealership know I was upset and that I felt their department was trying to take advantage of a situation. What comes of it ... I'll see. Rather than be left with a feeling of anger and project that feeling onto someone else around me (like road-ragers often do), I used that feeling in a healthy way by doing something about it. Consequently, I felt empowered.

And that's a good place to be.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that brings attention to how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected. How I think affects how I feel and then what I do...which will then further affect how I feel and then how I think. Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and in motion at all times.

When I work with clients in therapy who are confused about this model, I first begin with assisting them with feeling identification. Let's just get used to saying "I'm feeling ______." The feeling could be sadness, agitation, anger, stress, discomfort ... then we work on the rest.

Each life situation will activate thoughts, feelings, changes in body chemistry, and changes in behavior. Working with a therapist who can help you understand the mind-body connection is advantageous if you're looking to make substantial changes in your life.

With Gratitude,

Anahita