REFRAME 7 STEPS TO HELP YOU HEAL
‘By this I mean recognising we are in a state of stress and taking steps to regulate our autonomic nervous system,’ Pawa explains. She recommends a specific meditation technique addressing breath, the mind and words for ten minutes in the morning. ‘I’ve seen this technique change the brain waves of stockbrokers we were studying at Harvard,’ she says. ‘They didn’t think they could do it when they started but with practice they got better and better.’
EXERCISE:
‘Motion is lotion,’ says Pawa, who found that among its myriad benefits, exercise helps the body to create resilience to stress.
FOOD:
‘Stressed minds choose bad food, sugary snacks, carbohydrates and alcohol,’ says Pawa. ‘Being mindful about what we eat, when we eat and how we feel when we do so are the keys to optimal digestion and better health.’
REST: ‘Technology is also a diet we consume,’ says Pawa, and it affects how much downtime we get. ‘Rest isn’t only about sleep, it’s about being “unconnected” from tech too. Notifications on our phones trigger our autonomic nervous systems. So spend a few hours each day off your phone doing something creative instead.’
Of course, Pawa is also a fan of getting a good night’s shut-eye. ‘Aim for six to eight hours’ quality sleep a night,’ she says. ‘Deep sleep enables the body to rejuvenate.’
ASSESS:
‘Thoughts are the language of the mind, feelings are the language of the body so an awareness of both is important,’ says Pawa. ‘What is happening in life when you experience certain pains or sensations? People who learn to connect their feelings with their health experience reduced illness. Thought alone can create stress but it can also promote wellness.’
MINDSET:
A healthy mindset is the key to a healthy body but most of us are not born this way, says the author. ‘Relaxation is not automatic, stress is subconscious,’ she says. ‘If you want to rest and repair your body, you have to consciously bring it there by being mindful. And it’s not enough to pay lip service, you have to believe everything is going to be OK. A little bit of stress is good because it helps us prepare for danger but don’t dwell in it. Entertain trust instead of fear.’
EXAMINE:
‘Disease is a spectrum,’ says Pawa. ‘If your symptoms are progressing, seek the advice of a doctor to confirm or rule out any suspected illnesses.’