Your body is a chemical factory fed by your thoughts, feelings, actions and reactions. Frequently thinking about past regrets is an entry way to a depressed mood. If you do it long enough and often enough you can trigger biochemical responses that lead to depression.
The Brain Is in the Now
Your body responds to everything as if it were happening right now. If you recall an incident from the past which you deeply regret, your body responds as if the incident was occurring now. By remembering something that frightened you, your body will respond with the fight or flight response as if you were currently in danger. The same is true if you anticipate something sad or traumatic, like the death of a loved one.
If you have a tendency to a depressed mood, or even what is called the blues, you need to be particularly aware of your own thoughts, including your memories of the past or what can be called pre-memories of the future. By being aware of such thoughts you may prevent chemical reactions resulting in depressed mood.
In addition, Medical science has found that your fears release chemicals which depress your immune system. This means that every time you are afraid, you have lowered the germ fighting abilities of your body.
Calming the Mind Calms the Body
Just as bringing to mind your regrets can lead to depression, so can focusing on your successes lift you from depression. You can focus on the good things of life and your body will respond as if those are happening right now. Scientists have found that good thoughts improve the strength of your immune system.
Calming the mind also strengthens your immune system. One way to do this is through meditation. This works well for people who are spiritual connected. If you don't have a spiritual connection, you can still calm your mind and improve your immune system through methods similar to meditation, deep breathing and focusing on neutral or positive thoughts or images.
A Calm Mind Can Relieve Depressed Feelings
When you are down it's more difficult to stay away from your regrets. When you are calm you are able to think more clearly. You are able to stay in the present and not let your negative thoughts run rampant. The more clear headed you are the more able you are to lift yourself from feelings of depression. Regrets fall into the background and you're better able to focus on that which brings you pleasure and joy.
No comments:
Post a Comment