How the mind affects the body and stress levels

Psychosomatics, or the influence of the psyche on diseases of the body, has been known since ancient times, but the mechanism of this phenomenon has long remained a mystery. Recent research has uncovered interesting facts that shed light on the nature of psychosomatics and explain what helps us deal with stress.

How the mind is connected to the body

Our thoughts originate in the cerebral cortex - the brain structure responsible for the highest mental activity of a person. And many of the body's functions, including the stress response, are regulated by hormones that are synthesized in the endocrine glands. For example, the adrenal glands are responsible for the production of adrenaline and norepinephrine, which are released into the bloodstream during stress and are responsible for the fight-or-flight response.

Scientists have previously assumed that some areas of the cortex should control the work of the adrenal glands, but their exact number and location remained a mystery.

In Motor Research, cognitive, and affective areas of the cerebral cortex influence the adrenal medulla. In 2016, published in the Proceedings of the US National Academy of Sciences, it was found that there are a huge number of neural connections between the cerebral cortex and the adrenal medulla.

According to new data, the greatest influence comes from the motor, or motor, areas of the cortex, from areas responsible for cognitive abilities and areas that control the state of affect. This leads to several useful conclusions.

We can control affect

In response to stress, various changes occur in our body: heart rate increases, sweating increases, pupils dilate. These changes help the body prepare for action and are part of the fight-or-flight response. However, in the modern world, such reactions are more likely to interfere: they do not allow you to concentrate and act effectively.

The body's response to affect appears to be uncontrollable, but research proves otherwise. Since a network of neurons connects the adrenal glands and the areas of the cerebral cortex responsible for self-control, we can control our body's response to stress.

Since we have the cerebral cortex, we have a choice. If someone insults you, you don't have to hit them or run away. You have more options, such as ignoring the insult or responding witty.

Peter L. Strick is a neuroscientist at the University of Pittsburgh

Don't be led by your emotions and body reactions. Try different techniques to deal with stress: deep breathing, positive thoughts, focusing on the present moment, meditation.

Yoga and Pilates Help Fight Stress

Scientists have found that the motor areas of the cortex, which are responsible for the intention to move and movement itself, have a significant effect on the adrenal medulla. One of these areas is part of the primary motor cortex that controls axial body movement and posture.

This link explains why core exercises can help you manage stress, and why practices like yoga and Pilates have a calming effect. They require proper body posture, coordination and flexibility, which have a positive effect on the ability to remain calm and manage stress.

Negative memories cause stress

The study also found that areas of the cortex that are activated when we get into conflict or make a mistake are also associated with the adrenal glands.

Peter Strick suggested New insights into how the mind influences the body. that this also applies to imaginary errors. When you imagine your mistake again, blame yourself for past events, or remember traumatic events, the cortex sends signals to the adrenal medulla and the body reacts in the same way as during real events: adrenaline and norepinephrine are released into the bloodstream, the “hit or run."

This proves the benefits of positive thinking for physical and mental health. No negative thoughts - no additional stress that immediately affects the state of the body.

So, new discoveries are proving that there is a real connection between the mind and body - the brain and the adrenal glands. Psychosomatics has anatomical mechanisms, which means that we can influence the state of our body with the help of our mind and control our stress response through exercise, meditation and positive thinking.