Hi Dianne,
There is more evidence coming to light now about the very real connection between emotions and physical disease. In recent large studies with cardiac (heart disease) patients, being socially isolated, being pessimistic and having negative emotional relationships with a parent all lead to significantly higher death rates, regardless of nutritional status, exercise, smoking and medications.
To counteract and start to reverse the negative health effects of what I call 'toxic emotions' starting with a simple mindbody practice, like a simple meditation or 15 minute yoga practice in your home will lead to BIG changes in this aspect of your health and start to effect your physical health over weeks and months, getting stronger the longer you practice!;)
I had begun a journal at very beginning of tx. And wrote in it at lest once a day for the first 24 weeks. Then after awhile things became too repetitive, so I quit writing.
I have found in my own life, keeping a journal of physical and mental issues I am noticing and working on is an excellent way of being proactive with my health.
I don't do a minute by minute running journal, but more of a day by day, or a highlight of week by week.
We have so much going on in life that it is easy to forget a phrase or mantra or prayer or dietary recipe or piece of advice we read that really made a difference in how we felt or continue to feel. And once I get started on my Personal Journal, its surprising what emotions might come out that I was not even aware of.
Great topic. Thank you
M