Understanding the connection between physical and mental health
One can explain the difference between a person’s mind and body. However, when considering the relationship between mental health and physical health, positive and adverse reactions often occur in connection of one to the other. For instance, maintaining poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Vise versa, poor mental health can also negatively impact physical health, leading to an increased risk of painful chronic conditions.
There is a powerful connection between mental health and physical health, and research and studies have been conducted to evaluate the impact of one to the other. Good mental health helps people develop emotionally and mature mentally. By having a healthy mindset one can maintain healthy relationships, address and resolve problems, and enjoy life. Physical and mental health also impact healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising and dieting or negative habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption.
Several studies have found that a lack of physical activity is negatively associated with depression/anxiety disorders and poor physical health reactions. Imagine the last time you were under a lot of stress. Maybe you experienced nausea, anxiety, insomnia, a weak stomach, or maybe a migraine. Did you notice that your symptoms disappeared once the stressor was removed? As a result, when your mental state does not get that relief, your mental health goes into a greater amount of distress.
When mental health issues are present for an extended period of time, such as anxiety or depression, more serious physical health complications can arise. These conditions can then escalate to more serious complications or aggravate existing symptoms such as heart disease, high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, obesity, stomach issues and sleep disorders.
However, there are lifestyle choices one can make to keep mental and physical health balanced. Everyone knows exercise is good for the body, but not only does it keep the body physically healthy, it also positively affects mental health by helping improve brain function, increasing endorphins, and treating anxiety and depression symptoms.
It is also important to get plenty of sleep. Sleep has a strong connection to physical and mental health. Having a poor sleep schedule can lead to complications such as depression, anxiety, stress, weight gain and heart disease. Physical activities such as yoga, pilates, boxing and working out is a great way to help calm the mind while giving one’s body a challenge.
Good nutrition is another important key to stress management. When the body is not receiving proper nutrition, stress often makes a greater impact on one’s health. Having a low-quality diet is associated with higher mortality risk.
As a result, maintaining a good diet is an important factor to balance one’s health. By eating regularly, the body is keeping stable levels of blood sugar, which helps with better academic performance. It is also important to eat healthy fats such as walnuts, fish oil, and salmon, which help brain function. Foods high in fiber such as oatmeal, nuts, fruits and veggies are also great because they are associated with alertness. Lay off the caffeine and opt for more sleep. Caffeine increases blood pressure and can lead to greater anxiety and less sleep. Getting a good night’s rest is the best natural way to be energized throughout the day.
Although many factors may contribute to mental and physical health issues, whether it is positive or negative, identifying positive outcomes are important as it suggests the potential to efficiently use interventions to promote a healthy lifestyle.
For more information on mental and physical health:
VIDEO: Hawks talk relationship between mental and physical health
Students and staff at the University of Houston-Clear Lake talk about the relationship between their mental and physical health and share their coping strategies.
