Actions taken to enhance our physical health can also improve our mental health. In this busy world, we miss out on things that should be done to take care of our overall health. We skip meals, opt for poor choices of food because of a lack of time, and barely engage in any physical activity. When encountering stressful situations, we choose unhealthy food in order to cope, which in turn affects our mental and physical health.
Many research studies have stated that people who exercise regularly and have a balanced diet tend to be mentally healthy. A study that was done in 2017 on “Exercise and Mental Health” found that individuals with anxiety, depression, and stress benefited from and preferred working out as physical exercise improves mental well-being and is a preventative or alternative treatment option for improved mental health outcomes.
A YouTuber interviewed people who were doing their morning jogging and exercising in the park. She asked them why they engage in physical activities; many reported better mental health. Our physical health significantly affects our mental health. When we don’t pay attention to these areas of life, it could become one of the causal factors in psychological disorders, especially in the case of depression.
Healthy people have a balance in their personal and professional lives, and unhealthy people will struggle to have a balance as they lack energy and motivation to get through the day. It has become quite common for us to see mental and physical health separately. However, physical and mental health significantly influence each other. Our immune system, hormones, neurotransmitters, and energy are connected with physical and mental health.
There are different ways that you can change in your day-to-day life to be fit physically and mentally.
Physical Exercise: Take some time out and engage in simple exercises. Initially, you might find it difficult, but as you go, you will adapt and make it a habit to work out. Working out results in the release of endorphins, which are the brain’s happy neurotransmitter. If your brain is happy, you will also be happy. Overall, physical exercise can improve your mood and make you feel good.
Sleep: It is essential to get eight hours of sleep every day. The quality and quantity of sleep are essential for your physical and mental health.
Food: Healthier food choices are beneficial for physical and mental health. For example, walnuts and bananas are good to eat when feeling depressed. It is important to be mindful of your food intake and try to avoid caffeine, sugar, processed food, and saturated fat. All of these foods can affect your overall health. There are two extremes: during distress, many people eat junk food or more food to cope with the situation. On the other hand, a lack of appetite can lead to skipping meals. These extremes signify that it is essential to have a healthy, balanced diet to have enough energy and motivation to engage in day-to-day activities.
All of these areas are essential to maintaining overall health. Your mind and body communicate with you to take care of the body and mind. Trying to maintain good physical and mental health can help and encourage you to be self-disciplined, organized, maintain a balance in your personal and professional life, and make good decisions.
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