“Developing a basic understanding of what’s often referred to as the mind-body connection (or what scientists call the “biopsychosocial paradigm”) has become increasingly useful as research continues to prove that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and attitudes can positively or negatively affect our biological functioning. The brain and body are connected through neural pathways, and communication occurs via chemical and physical messengers, such as neurotransmitters and hormones. These messengers transmit signals between the body and the brain to control our everyday functions, from breathing, digestion, and pain sensations to heart rate, thinking, and emotions. This means that your thoughts and emotions are actually physical processes, and they have a meaningful effect on the systems in your body. However, you don’t need a scientific study to tell you that when you go to bed feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you typically wake up feeling stressed and overwhelmed.”