When I first started writing about health more than 20 years ago, my columns mostly focused on the physical body: A healthy diet, exercise and screening for disease were regular topics.
This inside-out approach to health ultimately can lead to changes in your physical well-being, too. Research shows, for instance, that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep, lead to better eating habits and reduce chronic pain. Lately, because I’ve decided it’s time for a change, I’ve been reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned about inner fitness since starting the Well section nearly 15 years ago.
Identifying your feelings and naming them – something scientists call “affect labeling” – can calm your brain and reduce stress.Learning to quiet my mind and soothe my anxiety has been the greatest benefit I’ve gained from writing about health. I use meditation apps often – lately I’ve been listening to the teachers of the Unplug app, who helped us create Meditations for Uncertain Times.