Do you ever stop to think about how connect your stomach and digestive tract is with your emotional well being? Think about a time when you felt nervous, perhaps before a big meeting with your boss, or moments before a big game… an upset, fluttery feeling in our gut is very common during times when anxiety is high.
Today we want to talk about how good food digestion starts with how you digest life. When you are afraid of life or don’t trust it, you tend to focus on things that reinforce that belief. Thoughts are only thoughts, and they can be changed. Digestion of life is emotional, mental, spiritual and physical, and all of these types of digestion affect each other.
We have created a list of tips that you can follow to be kind to yourself, love yourself more, and learn to feel safe. Try picking one thing that feels good to you from the list below and practice it every day for one week.
Tip 1: Are You Feeding Yourself Good Thoughts?
We know that if digestion is stagnant in our bodies, it’s only a matter of time before we get acute and chronic symptoms. The same is true of the emotional body. We must allow emotions and feelings to flow through us and be “digested” properly. We also want to feed ourselves positive emotional food — by loving ourselves, of course!
Become aware of the negative thoughts you are telling yourself and choose to change them is the first step. The words we speak to ourselves determine the house we live in. Live in a positive and loving house.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
Tip 2: Give Positive Affirmations to Your Body.
There are so many ways to do this, but the most simple place to start is by replacing negative or judgmental thoughts with a positive affirmation. “I can’t believe I had a second helping of ice cream…” turns into “It’s okay for me to enjoy a sweet treat sometimes!” Or, “My thighs are HUGE!” can be replaced with “I’m really proud of the workout I did yesterday.”
When you look in the mirror, as you walk around during the day, as you exercise, or anytime you think of your body. Tell your body how grateful you are for how it supports you, how strong your legs are as they carry you from place to place.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.
Psalm 139:14 (ESV)
Tip 3: When Was the Last Time You Had a Hug?
Hug yourself. Feel your heart well up with love for this body that takes you from place to place. It loves you and needs to feel appreciated or it tends to get sick.
If you do get sick, try remembering that it’s just your body giving you a warning that something is out of balance. Give yourself the gift of rest!
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul.
Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV)
Tip 4: Eat Mindfully and Stop Multitasking
When you sit down to a meal, turn off the TV and stay away from your phone and computer. Sit in a quiet place, or with your family or roommates, and focus only on your food and the sensory experience you are having. If you’re stressed, take a few deep breaths and relax before eating so that your body can calm down. This can work wonders for your digestion!
Dear friend, I pray that you may prosper in every way and be in good health physically just as you are spiritually.
3 John 1:2 (HCSB)
