Problems with tension leading to health problems any suggestions?
My lovely gf is often aggrivated by her mother and this has caused a psychological problem that has lead to her having a thyroid infection. The GP has noted that it is due to tension caused by frustration and anger. How can I help her change her diet and give her practices that will encourage a calmer mind (mental health concerns). I have considered Yoga and some Buddhist meditation for her any other ideas? Thanks guys.
The best way to help your girlfriend is to join her in whatever activity she (or you and she) decides upon.
For example, yoga can help many people reduce the stress and anger held in the body. But, like any good thing, it only helps if one does it consistently. So if you join her in yoga practice, it will increase the likelihood of her practicing with consistency. And both of you will benefit – not only at a physical/emotional level, but also in your relationship.
Similarly, Buddhist meditation has been shown in repeated studies to reduce stress. It accomplishes this by making us acquainted with ourselves in a deeper, more profound way. We discover that our anger is actually just a passing emotion; unfortunately, when we cling to our anger, it becomes something bigger and more damaging. With meditation practice, we can reduce the clinging.
As with yoga, if you join together with your partner in meditation, it will not only help her, but it will strengthen the bond between you. And, of course, you will also benefit!
Our diet plays an important role in our overall sense of well-being. If the two of you move lower on the food chain – toward whole grains, vegetables, fish (if you eat meat), beans and other products – you will experience greater clarity of mind (and healthier bodies). If you eat a lot of dairy products and mammal-based foods, your bodies will tend to hold emotions more tightly. Again, this is something best done together.
Finally, you might consider entering into couples therapy together – not because of issues between the two of you, but because it will help the two of you change your life in positive ways. It can take a lot of support to make significant changes in the way we live and think. Also, a therapist can help your partner work through some of the challenges that arise from her relationship with her mother. Depending on her age, your girlfriend may need to open up some distance between herself and her mother. If she’s out of high school, it’s time for her to become fully independent and less entwined (even if she’s in high school, it might be time).
May these ideas benefit the two of you. Your spacious heart is the greatest gift she can have right now!