There are shared beliefs by those from multiple professions that diseases such as cancer signal an imbalance in the body.
This belief is supported by scientific evidence that continues to show that our emotional state can work for us or against us. Things like short—and long-term stress, excessive worrying, and sadness can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to diseases.
So, according to this belief, the first step to fixing the imbalance is to begin addressing the emotional ailment causing the disease.
On the other hand, some disagree with this idea since some diseases run in families. If we have inherited specific genes that make us prone to certain diseases, they may eventually appear in our bodies.
However, regardless of our genetic makeup, when we continue to make choices that don’t reflect how we feel and we ignore our needs, we increase the risk of developing diseases.
Being a people-pleaser, constantly seeking approval, showing up each day to a job that we’ve outgrown, or staying in a one-sided relationship affects our emotions and mental state and eventually shows up in the body.
I recently met someone who was a walking example of “a healthy life warrior.” He followed a strict diet of whole, nutritious, organic foods and maintained a regular gym routine three to four times weekly.
Yet, despite his healthy lifestyle, he had severe digestion problems, especially on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings.
He instinctively knew that showing up each day to a job he no longer enjoyed was causing him stomach problems, but it was hard for him to walk away from a position he had worked so many years to achieve and the sacrifices he had made along the way.
After months of debating what to do, he finally ended his internal conflict and resigned.
Although he’s proud of himself for walking away from what no longer fulfilled him, he has only one regret: Not making the decision sooner.
His plans to enjoy one of his favorite hobbies, traveling, had to be postponed. Instead, he’ll spend the next few months scheduling doctor visits and possibly facing surgery.
Walking away from what no longer serves us or gives our lives meaning should be a simple choice. It’s an easy choice for some when their bodies eventually force them to listen, but it’s not that simple for others.
For example, it may not be monetarily feasible for someone to make a sudden career change due to financial obligations—that is often the case. That said, although it may take longer, it doesn’t have to become a life sentence.
When a sudden career change is not possible, establishing long-term objectives and devising a plan to transition to a new work environment are the initial steps toward achieving the desired change.
Working with a coach or career counselor to explore new career paths and develop goals and coping strategies for managing stress during the transition might be helpful.
Looking towards the future gives hope and excitement, knowing this situation is not permanent. It’s something to look forward to rather than being forced to leave because of deteriorating mental or physical health abruptly.
The ultimate goal is to break the habit of feeling comfortable with being miserable. We may be too busy to notice, but the body is aware of being unable to find balance, relax, and repair itself after constantly functioning in the “fight or flight” mode.
It’s not enough to seek medical attention to heal the physical disease. The unhappiness and lack of satisfaction in our lives must also be addressed; if not, they will eventually reappear mentally and physically.
Besides cancers, long-term stress in the body has been linked to digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease, IBS, and Alopecia.
Our bodies will find a way to communicate when there’s a consistent discrepancy between what we’re working towards and what we need and want for our lives.
Learning to listen to the subtle signs can make us aware before our health worsens, forcing us to pay attention.
Insomnia, anxiety, headaches, neck and back pain, and stomach issues, to name a few, can often have an emotional cause instead of a physical one.
For me, before realizing I had to make some changes, it was going from below-average low blood pressure to borderline hypertension and panic attacks.
When sudden, unexpected changes occur in the body, a heartfelt inventory can help us explore what’s happening inside and begin the journey of understanding and healing.
Note: See my previous blog – Four Surprising Benefits of Living an Authentic Life.
Takeaway: By prioritizing our well-being and fulfillment, we empower ourselves to make decisions that benefit our minds and bodies.
It’s not solely about eating the healthiest foods but about making choices based on self-love, where we recognize our worth and give our lives meaning and purpose.
Making decisions out of fear and seeking acceptance from others will eventually manifest in our bodies. The longer we ignore the signs and neglect our needs, the more challenging it will be to help our tired bodies restore and repair themselves so that they can function properly.
If this resonates with you, stop for a few minutes and ask yourself, “What’s going on?” Be patient and quiet, and you’ll hear the answer.