We all know that taking care of our physical bodies will help us to be healthier -- but are we missing a critical factor when it comes to our overall well-being?


Dr. Elaine Ferguson, author of Superhealing[1] , says most of us aren't tuning in enough to our emotional health -- and we're suffering as a result. Ferguson recently told HuffPost Live host Nancy Redd that while physical health is important, there is too much emphasis placed on the body and not enough on the mind and spirit.


"There was too much of a focus on physical health and well-being, and not enough encompassing of the mind and spirit as well," Ferguson said. "When I became a physician I had a couple of illnesses that were chronic and quite severe, and when I was in the hospital I realized that my emotional health was definitely impacting my physical body and I made a decision to take charge of that and to do some things that I knew I needed to do."


According to Ferguson, it is important for us to connect the mind and the body -- and the first step to achieving that connection is through simple focus.


"One of the first things you can do is to pay attention to what's going on," she said. "We're so externally-focused in this world, we don't pay attention to our inner voice and the inner message that our body gives us. Attention is the first step of loving, self care."


Check out the clip above for more on observing health through the body, mind and spirit and watch the full video on HuffPost Live[2] .


For more on the Third Metric, click here[3] .



Also on HuffPost:




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  • Enjoy A Mindful Snack


    The simple act of eating a healthy snack can be both energizing and de-stressing. Focus on the textures and flavors of the food, and don't get distracted by your phone, computer or even a friend. Try a small piece of dark chocolate, which can help <a href="http://www.livescience.com/7974-chocolate-reduces-stress-study-finds.html" target="_blank">reduce the levels of stress hormones</a> in the body. You may also want to accompany your snack with a cup of black tea, which may help cortisol levels <a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/53459.php" target="_blank">to rebound more quickly</a> after being triggered by a stressful thought or event. "[Mindful eating] slows you down, makes you more aware of portion sizes and helps you get out of negative, automatic food habits like overeating while watching your favorite TV show," psychologist <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-susan-albers/mindful-eating_b_1265865.html" target="_blank">Dr. Susan Albers writes on the Huffington Post</a>.




  • Do A Short Walking Meditation


    Even if you're on a busy city street, you can still take advantage of the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/03/national-walking-day-stress-relief-tips_n_2992972.html?utm_hp_ref=less-stress-more-living" target="_blank">stress-relieving benefits of walking</a>. Leave stressful thoughts at home or at your desk, and try to clear your mind while you stroll around the block for five minutes. To get even more of a de-stressing benefit, follow a short <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/03/19/meditation-apps-inner-peace_n_2900544.html#slide=2232856" target="_blank">guided walking meditation</a>.




  • Try Some Heart-Opening Stretches


    When you're starting to feel overwhelmed at work or home, take five minutes to find a quiet, out-of-the-way space to do some gentle heart-opening stretches. Try a few yoga poses <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/anatomical_focus/heart" target="_blank">targeting the chest and shoulders</a> to release physical and psychological tension. Heart-opening postures can help facilitate emotional release and mitigate the negative effects of sitting for too long, <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/tara-fass/yoga-poses_b_2359660.html" target="_blank">according to therapist and pilates instructor Tara Fass</a>.




  • Use Visualization In A 'Journey Meditation'


    Try a relaxing visualization to quiet your mind and <a href="http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/guided-visualization-a-way-to-relax-reduce-stress-and-more/" target="_blank">promote feelings of calm</a>. Find a restful place where you can sit, and close your eyes. Once you're comfortable, imagine a peaceful location, whether it's a beautiful English garden or a remote tropical isle. Spend five minutes visualizing the sensations you would experience in this place, and when negative thoughts or worries arise, try to acknowledge and then release them.




  • Talk To A Friend


    Instead of instant-messaging a friend or family member, step away from your desk and go talk to someone you care about in person or over the phone. Talking to a loved one can help induce the body's "relaxation response," psychologist Deborah Rozman, Ph.D., <a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot?page=2" target="_blank">tells WebMD</a>.