On Thanksgiving day, many of us have a two of things in common: first, we overindulge in a meal of turkey and the fixings and second, we give thanks.

Giving thanks involves positive thinking, which obviously affects our mind. But, your mind and body have a powerful relationship. This phenomenon is known as the mind-body connection. Your mind and body work together: how you think can affect how your feel; how you feel can affect your thinking.

Negative emotions, like stress, anger or anxiety can cause any number of physical symptoms including tense muscles, headache, insomnia and upset stomach. This can also lead to bigger problems such as high blood pressure or a stomach ulcer. Stress, negative thinking and overall poor emotional health can weaken your body’s immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other infections.

On the other hand, your physical health can effect your mood and emotions. If you have constant pain, a chronic health problem like heart disease or diabetes, you may become depressed, anxious and stressed, making it more difficult to cope effectively with your illness. 

You mind and body are connected because they are part of you. But, how exactly do they have such a key influence and impact on each other?

Your brain produces substances that can improve your health. These include endorphins, which work as natural painkillers. Another substance, gamma globulins, strengthen your immune system.

Research shows that your emotions and thoughts influence the type of chemicals produced in your brain. For instance, if you have a positive outlook, your brain is more likely to produce chemicals that will help your body’s healing power. In contrast, when you have negative thoughts, or experience too much stress, your brain is less able to produce chemicals that aid in healing.

One caveat: the mind and body have an impact on one another, but the influence isn’t 100-percent. Some illnesses are beyond your control – whether you have a positive outlook or not. If you have health problems, they can’t be completely cured with a positive attitude; but a positive outlook often helps.

The key, then, is finding a way to make your mind and body work together so they have a positive effect on each other. One way to do this is by thinking positive and giving thanks. Others include:

Be aware of stressors in your life and work to minimize them.  For the stress that can’t be eliminated, find ways to cope. For instance you could practice yoga, meditation, take a hot bath, listen to music or take time for a hobby you enjoy.
Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. This takes some practice. First, you have to be aware of when you have a negative thought. Then, you replace the negative with positive. For instance, if you run out of gas on the way to your daughter’s recital, you might (reasonably) feel anxious and angry. Try to replace those with the notion that you will still get to the recital and you will enjoy hearing your daughter play the piano there.

Practice gratitude – not just on Thanksgiving, but throughout the year. Look for small (as well as large) things to be grateful for. You can keep a gratitude journal, engage the help of a gratitude buddy, post gratitude reminders on the bathroom mirror or find a way to involve your family in your attitude of gratitude.

Keep your body healthy – and able to give positive feedback to your brain – by choosing healthy lifestyle habits. Eat well-balanced meals that contain lean meats, whole grains and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water; it flushes toxins from your body. Don’t abuse alcohol, drugs or use tobacco. Exercise regularly. Stay rested and alert by getting enough sleep each night. See your health care provider regularly and have routine tests and exams as recommended.

Just as negative thoughts can have a negative impact on your health, positive thinking can result in the opposite. Studies show that adults who frequently feel grateful and approach situations with a positive outlook have more energy, more optimism, more social connections and more happiness and satisfaction with life. They are also more likely to engage in healthy lifestyle habits, boosting their physical health – which makes them feel good about themselves – and increases positive thinking…and so on.