Most people believe body functions are affected by external events such as medicine, surgery, or exercise.  Actually, we have the ability to control our own bodies much more than are generally known. Approximately 17 million Americans suffer with depression.  More people than most of us are aware of have panic attacks, anxiety, debilitating headaches, and phobias.  It is generally felt that these are caused by brain chemistry imbalances. Some disorders which have shown improvement with self-control such as, biofeedback, visualization and imagery are addictive disorders, depression, anxiety, pain control, asthma, and attention deficit, to name a few.    

There is scientific research on how our emotions, decision-making, daily actions and the choices we make affect our brain chemistry. Some of the successful ways you can deal with these problems are autonomic control, breathing and muscle relaxation techniques, visualization, biofeedback, and heart rate training.  Simple, regular exercise has shown a proven affect on these problems.  We all know how to breathe, but "diaphragmatic breathing" techniques like those used by singers and musicians allow air in the bottom of the lungs to be replaced with fresh air.  Normal breathing does not normally reach this area.

The number of stress related disorders are increasing as our daily environment becomes more hectic.   Success has been achieved by learning to regulate your muscles, breathing, and nervous system.  Taking simple measures yourself can effectively prevent or treat these disorders and have a positive affect on how you cope and feel at the end of the day.  Through awareness and simple actions, we can make our lives easier and healthier.