Your mind and body are powerful allies. How you think can affect how you feel. And how you feel can affect your thinking.

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An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry and stress over jobs, finances or other problems can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches and stomach problems. It may also lead to high blood pressure or other serious problems.

On the other hand, constant pain or a health problem like heart disease can affect your emotions. You might become depressed, anxious and stressed, which could affect how well you treat, manage or cope with your illness.

But your mind can have a positive effect on your health, too. Having a positive outlook on life might help you better handle pain or stress and stay healthier than someone who is less hopeful.

For the complete article on mind-body wellness and more, visit the Farm Bureau Health Plans Health Almanac at fbhealthplans.com/health-wellness.