Studies have shown that there is a mind-body connection. It is known that stress can cause headaches, muscle aches, tummy aches, and blisters! For those affected by pemphigus and pemphigoid (P/P), when your stress levels are high, the antibodies know when it is time to come out and play. Horrors! It is easier said than done to remain calm and stress-free.
Have you experienced when you have a headache and you worry more about something and the headache gets worse? That is an example of the mind-body connection.
The brain signals the immune system, and we never know until after it happens. In order to ward off these signals, it is important for patients to remain even-minded. HA! You say! You’re right! However, there are ways for us to get better at this. It just takes practice.
Meditation can be very helpful. Even if only for 5 minutes at a time. Never feel that you must sit in a lotus position and keep stiff for an hour! That is not what meditation is about!
There are a lot of meditation videos on YouTube that you could take a look at. Just type in the word “Meditation” and a lot of suggestions come up!
Breathing exercises are a great way to help keep your blood pressure down. They help to bring a sense of calmness to envelope you. Essentially, you are inhaling slowly to a count of 10 or 20 and holding the breath for 10 or 20 and then exhaling slowly for 10 or 20. When you exhale, think of a happy word (like an affirmation) ie: joy or peace.