Disclaimer: If you’re the type who spirals into anxiety after a scary movie, imagining maniacs lurking in every shadow, this article might not be your best choice. Instead, dive into our uplifting reads — they’re just as thought-provoking and far less unsettling!
For those still here: welcome! Get ready for some tough love and even tougher truths. Here’s the unsettling reality:
Your mental health and chronic stress is likely sabotaging your physical health in ways you’ve never imagined.
Consider these research-backed findings:
This isn’t fear-mongering; it’s reality!
Mental and physical health are intricately connected. Your thoughts, emotions, and mental state may seem abstract, but their effects on your body are undeniably real.
As Hermann Mayer outlines in Laws of the Universe, one of the most foundational principles of existence is interconnectedness. Nothing exists in isolation—not the stars, not the cells in your body, and certainly not your mind and your health.
The mind-body connection is more than just a concept; it’s a living truth. Mayer’s perspective invites us to see our thoughts as energetic forces that ripple through our lives, influencing our physical state. When our thoughts spiral negatively, they create a feedback loop of stress and illness. But when we shift to positive, life-affirming thoughts, we tap into the universal flow of healing and growth.
The term psychosomatic often conjures skepticism, but it underscores a profound truth: your mental state actively shapes your physical health. Mayer’s teachings align with this—he reminds us that the universe mirrors our internal reality.
For instance:
Unchecked, this cycle can become a destructive force. But, as Mayer emphasizes, the same universal laws that create cycles of negativity also empower us to reverse them.
Picture this:
Negative thoughts → Poor physical health → More negative thoughts
But here’s the beauty: the cycle works both ways. Positive thoughts and actions can ignite profound changes in both your mental and physical well-being. Mayer calls this the “Law of Reciprocity”—the energy you put out into the universe is the energy you receive. By nurturing yourself with positive, empowering beliefs, you catalyze healing at every level.
Hermann Mayer’s insights complement modern approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), pioneered by Aaron T. Beck in the 1960s, that demonstrates how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected. They teache us that it’s not the situation itself but our perception of it that matters, and offer powerful strategies for reclaiming your health:
For example, thoughts like “I’ll never get better” or “There’s nothing I can do about this pain” don’t just leave you feeling hopeless—they also amplify physical suffering. Conversely, acknowledging pain as temporary or manageable can reduce its intensity and help you cope.
Negative thought patterns can alter how the brain processes pain, making minor discomforts feel unbearable. Conversely, mindfulness and positive thinking promote relaxation, reduce pain perception, and improve health outcomes.
While there’s no quick fix, consistent effort can make a profound difference. Here are four science-backed strategies to start regaining control:
Affirmations aren’t just feel-good fluff—they’re grounded in neuroscience. Repeating statements like “I am capable” or “I can handle this” activates the brain’s reward centers, fostering hope and resilience. Over time, these neural pathways strengthen, making it easier to replace negative thoughts with constructive ones.
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Chronic stress often disrupts sleep, but poor sleep exacerbates stress—a cycle that needs breaking. Aim for 7–9 hours of restorative sleep nightly. Better sleep helps your brain process emotions, accelerates physical healing, and lowers stress levels.
Feeling overwhelmed? Start with your breath. Deep, intentional breathing reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and signals your brain to relax. Explore different techniques—whether it’s box breathing, diaphragmatic breathing, or a simple inhale-exhale rhythm.
Our brains are wired to focus on threats—a survival mechanism that’s now more hindrance than help. Combat this negativity bias by practicing gratitude. Keep a journal and jot down three things you’re thankful for daily, no matter how small. Over time, this habit can rewire your brain to focus on opportunities instead of obstacles.
As Mayer highlights, life’s essence lies in balance. Mental and physical health aren’t separate entities but two sides of the same cosmic coin. Asking which is “more important” misses the point entirely—they are interconnected and equally vital. Breaking free from the cycle of negativity and its physical toll isn’t about perfection. It’s about progress. By taking small, consistent steps, you align with the universe’s flow and open yourself to a healthier, happier life.
Mental and physical health are so deeply intertwined that asking which one is “more important” misses the point entirely. The answer? Both matter. And only you can decide when and how to start prioritizing them.
Remember, breaking the cycle of negativity and its physical consequences isn’t about achieving perfection. It’s about progress—taking small, consistent steps toward a healthier, happier you.
Take a deep breath, take that first step, and take back your life.
You’re worth it.
With Love,
Dariya Khodakivska
and the ILC Team