What does communication have to do with Health? Everything.
Human connections affect our physiology, metabolic responses, endocrine balance, and psychological and mental health. Positive connections achieved through successful communication energize us, and promote regeneration and vitality in our bodies. Isolation, rejection, loneliness, and lack of affection lead to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and, eventually, overall poor health. Poor communication is one of the top reasons for divorce and broken families.
Personal relationships can be improved by following two simple communication techniques:
Assume the best.
Ask for clarification.
When we cannot assume the best from the information given to us to process, ask for clarification. We may discover that we are misunderstanding the other person's intentions, or have different definitions or connotations of the vocabulary used. This is especially true across culture, gender, and socioeconomic differences. Our communication approach needs to be as diverse as the individuals attempting to interact. As efforts are appreciated and embraced, communication improves.
Beyond personal relationships, communication deficits cause unnecessary daily stress at work, in the community, and among mass populations. Energy expenditure increases as the need to correct errors increases, errors which could have been prevented with clear communication. Fatigue and despair are often the results of repetitive poor communication and corresponding decreased productivity and failure. Reputations are damaged when individuals are unfairly and inaccurately spoken about due to misinformation or incomplete facts. These stressful toxic situations increase unhealthy chemical reactions in our bodies, and when the negative patterns become chronic, cause an increase in the risk of illness and disease. Excessive free radicals (oxidants) are generated in our bodies which may cause chronic inflammation and cellular damage. Disease is caused by chronic inflammation.
So, how do we improve our communication skills, and help others do the same? It begins with understanding the importance of communication, and applying the golden rule - Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone" (Colossians 4:6). When you communicate, is your first goal to be heard, or to listen? Are you asking, 'can you hear me now,' or 'am I hearing you correctly?' Three simple communication priorities will promote successful interactions and positive physiological and psychological responses in our mind and body.
Listen first.
Verbally affirm what you hear - are you understanding the other person?
Respond in a positive, pleasant manner.
Good communication requires us to speak the truth in love with genuine sincere motives. Oftentimes we can prevent problems simply by being considerate, expressing gratitude, and admitting mistakes. Say what we mean, mean what we say. Say what we do, and do what we say. Communication is meaningless and useless otherwise.
Communication skills can always be improved, if we have the willingness to change, and the motivation to practice. Want improved health for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities? Communicate. It's a powerful medicine that produces healthful outcomes! Words spoken in due season are like golden apples on beds of silver (proverb).
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