Have you ever had a stressful day that ended in a pounding headache? I think we can all raise a hand to that one. Emotional stimuli and overwhelm can often cause a physical reaction. How about when something sad or joyful happens and tears flow from our eyes? It’s a natural physical response to an emotional moment.

God has created us to feel pain, anger, sadness, pleasure, and joy, and has wired us with a nervous system connected to our brain that responds to various emotions. Our nervous system sees difficult relationships, past trauma, fear, or ongoing work stress as emotional predators. It sends out warning signals, such as crushing fatigue, headaches, and various pains within the body.

Psalm 139: 13, 14 declares, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful.”

If we are fearfully and wonderfully made, why are so many of us dealing with chronic pain, debilitating depression, fear, and anxiety?

Because I have recently battled some ongoing long Covid symptoms, including fatigue and headaches, I’ve done a little research on a subject that has been shared with me by a friend, called the mind-body connection. Stress and sickness are clearly connected.

God has intricately woven the human body together with a nervous system that warns us of danger. For example, when we touch a hot stove, we feel pain and refrain from touching it again. In the same way, when our emotional reservoir overflows, our brain protects us by sending discomfort triggered by emotional predators like fear of attending the family reunion, stress from rebellious teenagers, or past trauma of abuse. These symptoms prompt us to retreat, slow down, or seek help.

Our nervous system kicks into gear to protect us, and pain or illness (fill in the blank- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, IBS, etc.) in its various forms can be the result. I know from my recent experience of battling headaches and fatigue that stress is often what prompts it. I might not have realized it, but looking back, I can see moments of overwhelm, an emotional conversation with a family member, or thoughts of a painful incident with a friend.

God’s word speaks to the condition of our head and our heart, and the effect both have on our physical and spiritual wellness. The Psalmist David continues in Psalm 139: 23, 24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

David asked God to search him for sin and test his thoughts. Talk about exploratory surgery! We can do the same by asking God to search us for unhealthy thought patterns that lead to angst or painful situations in our past that we have not dealt with.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.” Proverbs 4: 23

Maybe you’ve been given a diagnosis or an MRI reveals an abnormality in your body, but proper treatment has not improved the situation. Our complex bodies have abnormalities, but these abnormalities are exacerbated by emotions. Perhaps it’s time to explore your thinking and get to the source of gripping fear or anxiety, or relinquish unforgiveness to the One who died for us and has forgiven us.

“Get rid of bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, and every form of malice. Be kind to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4: 31, 32

Your emotional reservoir might be overflowing, and fear or trauma may be manifesting in your body as chronic pain or illness.

Stresses to Eliminate

Problems- Wrapping ourselves up in current events, news, and social media could be making us sick. Try a low-information diet and cut down on scrolling. Deal with issues that you’ve been putting off, like quitting your high-stress job or talking to your neighbor about the barking dog. Nagging problems that keep you awake at night are stressors.

People- Who stresses you out? Now is the time to end or redefine relationships. Put up healthy boundaries by having the conversation you should have had months ago. Seek counsel from godly individuals, endeavor to forgive, and change your thinking about people. Don’t worry about Aunt Betty, who criticizes you. Let it go! Be aware of jealousy and envy, and have a heart of gratitude. Choose to see good and think positively. (Philippians 4: 8)

Projects- Even good things can cause us stress. If your schedule gives you a headache, something needs to go. Scaling back on extracurricular activities can be an excellent way to simplify your life and improve your overall health and wellness.

Fear- A cancer diagnosis, fear of suffering or death, financial distress, or a wayward child can all bring fear. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5: 7. Catch yourself in fearful moments and give them to God. In the middle of your fear is when you exercise faith.

“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment.” 1 John 4:18

We live in a fallen world. Sin dwells in us, and the sin of others has perhaps caused us trouble or suffering. We can run to our Redeemer and find health and healing by working through issues from our past, in our present, or fear of the future.

While God’s word is replete with scripture linking a healthy mind, body, and heart, this philosophy has also made it to the medical world in recent years. Naturopaths and even medical doctors are acknowledging the effects that our emotions can have on our health and the negative impact stress has on our lives.

Please know I am not offering medical advice, but rather giving insight to my own health journey. My prayer is that you will explore your  emotional stress and thought patterns and possibly make a connection toward better health!

“Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” 3 John: 1