One of the many great things about being human is our ability to feel. Our thoughts and emotions help us navigate any situation that we are in. Many people don’t realize how emotions are closely linked to the body. Each emotion has a specific physiological response. Depending on the emotion felt will determine if your body reacts in a healthy or unhealthy way.

The natural progression from perception to action is as follows: whatever perception (a quick mental snapshot) we have about any situation determines our thoughts. Our thoughts then create the emotions we feel. Our emotions then direct our body to respond. When we aren’t fully aware of what is happening we become reactive and respond in unhealthy ways. When we have more insight into our perception and the emotions we are feeling it gives us insight into the health benefits our body is experiencing.

We all grew up hearing that real men don’t cry. For some reason that has been instilled in many men. If a boy is found crying he is teased by others or is seen as weak. Many people don’t realize the physiological response from crying. Have you ever cried and thought, “I feel so much better now?” When we cry the toxins in our body are released through tears. Any stress hormones that were secreted during an event, that weren’t purged naturally from our body, will be released through our tears. Naturally, you will feel better after a good cry because your body has literally purged the toxins and stress hormones that you no longer need.

There is a great physiological reaction with happiness; specifically when it’s demonstrated though laughter. When we laugh our body creates Natural-Killer Cells (NKC). These cells attack any cancer or tumorous cells that may be in our body. The old saying, “Laugher is the best medicine,” is actually true. There is a direct correlation between people who consistently laugh and living a long life. Laughter also helps reduce stress, strengthens the heart, and releases endorphins, the “feel-good” chemicals.

We’ve all heard of the Fight or Flight Response. Based on the snapshot perception we have determines if we are in danger, we must defend ourselves, or flee. The emotions that accompany each of those actions release certain chemicals in our body which helps us achieve whichever response we feel is best. Anger is used to defend ourselves in that moment. However, what happens when the situation is over and we are still angry? When a person holds on to anger it can become a lifestyle full of bitterness. Bitterness translates to a physiological response of weakening and compromising one’s immune system. It even, over time, can make the person appear less physically attractive. Who wants that?

These are only a few examples of how your emotions are linked with a physiological response. Remember, to be a real man, one must express all emotions in a healthy way. These emotions purge the body of all toxins and allows him to be healthier and live longer than those who repress their emotions and don’t use linked physiological responses. You have emotions for a reason, when you understand how your emotions affect your body, you get to determine if it’s a healthy expression or not.

James Miller is a licensed psychotherapist and a piano composer who is known for his weekly iTunes podcast, YouTube channel, and his Academy where he teaches successful people to simplify and transform their lives. James’ latest album, Restoration, is available for purchase on all digital music stores. For more information visit: www.JamesMillerLIFEOLOGY.com.