Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 97 & EMOTIONS AND THE HUMAN CONDITION ANGER, FRUSTRATION, IRRITATION, AND HATE lead to tension headaches, indiges- tion, heart disease, stiffening of the joints and posture. ey lead to sleep problems, weight loss or gain, teeth grinding, skin rashes. Massage therapists tell how ten- sion accrues mostly in people's necks and shoulders from computer work or cell phone use. ese emotions tend to make people smoke or drink alcohol to excess. Often anger is unexpressed or wildly out of control, doing most damage to those around us as well as our own bodies. FEAR of falling, getting lost in the dark, facing an intruder, losing one's job, run- ning out of money, giving a speech—such fear settles in our gut—we feel nauseous, our stomach has "butterflies." We feel nervous, unfocused, unable to recognize humor or hope. Fear affects the heart, causing rapid heart rate, high blood pressure shortness of breath, dizziness. A panic attack needs to be distinguished from a heart attack by a medical expert. Learn the difference between fearful fantasies and the quiet intuitions coming from the still small voice within. True intuition will correct our attitude and offer clarity on our situations. LONELINESS, SADNESS, AND GRIEF—for example, from the emotional shocks of divorce, loss of a loved one, or seri- ous medical diagnosis— any of which take a toll on our organs. Sadness and grief can last a long time, making us lethargic and prone to illness. Sometimes we express these feelings as "anxiety" or "depres- sion" but those are amorphous words that cover up deeper feelings. JOY OR HAPPINESS, EXHILARATION, PLEASURE, AND CONTENTMENT give our bodies respite and peace. e initial feelings of being in love lower blood pressure, radiate healthy skin, increase confidence and excitement. In hugs and kisses we express our feel- ings toward others, releasing positive hormones. If you have ever had a friend who always smiles when s/he sees you, then you know how good that makes you feel. A smile or a hug is a gift to your body and mind. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY During a workout, notice where your body feels tight or sore. Physical thera- pists agree that if you feel pain, stop and rest. e phrase "no pain, no gain" is out of date. Notice tension in the neck, spine, and muscles. Try this muscle relax- ation technique: Lie down or sit in a comfortable position. Close your E MOTIONS FLOW THROUGH OUR BODIES AND MINDS—HOW WE MANAGE THEM AFFECTS OUR HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. We are better off feeling them than denying them because our emotions can protect or harm us. ey are a language we can learn in order to become friends with our bodies, rather than in conflict. Our emotions are also expressed in our faces, affecting how we relate to people. How we make people feel is part of emotional intelligence. h e a l t h yo u r by VALERIE HARMS e m o t i o n s You can increase your body/mind awareness or emotional intelligence by listening to what it needs.

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