“Learning the Significant Correlation Between Physical and Mental Health”
I know many of you are probably thinking, My health is wealth; “I’ve heard this somewhere before”, but in all honesty, this catch phrase is ultimately the truth. You may ask, How so?
Well, one of the basic if not the greatest essential components to human functioning is physical health. Many people may or may not understand the human body and how it functions to support the overall human being in so many different ways. The information in this blog will help you to learn about physical health, mental health, and the relationship between physical health impacts on mental health.
What exactly is physical and mental health?
Physical health promotes and suggests proper care of our bodies for optimal functioning. Overall, physical health and wellness encourages the balance of physical activity along with nutrition.
Mental health is a person’s condition with regard to their cognitive, behavioral, psychological, and emotional well-being. This is the level of a person’s psychological well-being and the absence of mental illness, including an individual’s ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resistance.
Mental health is primarily influenced and regulated by the human brain.
Mental illnesses can develop because many physical conditions are associated with abnormal levels of hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain that can affect mental health.
Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems.
It is very important to stay physically active to help prevent some factors that lead to mental illness.
Remaining physically active with exercising is a great way to reduce stress after a long difficult day. Being in a better physical condition can make a person look and feel more attractive. Maintaining physical health with activity helps to reduce chances of developing diseases, such as any number of heart problems, cancers or diabetes, which can have a negative impact on a person’s mental health as well.
Understanding what happens when you do not manage your physical health activity.
The less you do, the more likely you end up with:
- Low mood/depression.
- Tension and worry.
If you keep physically active, you may be :
- Less likely to be depressed, anxious or tense.
- More likely to feel good about yourself
- More likely to focus and concentrate better
- More likely to cope with cravings and withdrawal symptoms
- More likely to stay mobile and independent
- Possibly less likely to have problems with memory and dementia
However, there must be a balance of physical activity to prevent over exertion.
Too many physical demands can lead to personal burnout and more stress which can lead to mental illness.
Physical activity should:
- Be enjoyable
- Help you to feel more competent or capable.
- Give you a sense of control over your life.
- Help you to escape for a while from the pressures of life.
- Be shared. The companionship involved can be just as important as the physical activity.
- Physical exercise seems to reduce harmful changes in the brain caused by stress.
Lastly, how can people care for their physical as well as emotional health?
- Eat healthy. A healthy diet is good for body and mind.
- Get enough sleep.
- If you fall down, get back up! Resilience in the face of adversity is a gift that will keep on giving both mentally and physically.
- Go out and play! Work is a good thing, it pays the bills. Taking time for relaxation and socializing is good for your emotional and physical health.
- Exercise. Is proven to improve your mood and has comprehensive benefits for your physical health.
- See the right doctor, regularly. This can make a difference in your overall health. Be open to seeing a mental health professional too.
Total health depends on a healthy mind and body. Take time to nurture both.
