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Mental and physical health aren't typically viewed as related and often treated and diagnosed separately. The difference between mental and physical health is not as apparent as one might think and should not be considered in such a way. Your mental and physical wellbeing share a relationship; mental health directly impacts your physical health, and your physical impacts your mental health. Neglect to manage either can lead to certain heart diseases, stress disorders, and sleep disorders, thus hindering the quality of your life and recovery.
Among many of the common links between your mental and physical health is depression, which can not only perpetuate other underlying disorders or diseases but can take a toll on your immune system. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), taking time to manage both your mental and physical wellbeing has been shown to reduce negative feelings and impulses and improve overall body function. Learning what you can do to improve your overall well-being can help you bring balance to both your mental and physical health.
How Exercise Improves Mental Health
Typically, exercise is viewed as only a physical activity; however, exercise helps release endorphins, also known as the feel-good chemicals within the brain. Such a release helps increase mental alertness, energy and even enhance your mood. When you implement regular exercise into your weekly regimen, you help improve your mental health by reducing depression and anxiety levels. You don't need to be overly intense with your exercise. Exercising just three to four times a week can positively impact your mental and physical well-being. The activities can include walking, cycling, yoga, stretching, or weight training. You can even involve a friend to help motivate you and keep each other on track. Your options never limit you.
Eating Healthy
Good food that nourishes the body will also nourish your mind. When you eat foods high in sugars and salts, you can increase your anxiety and depression; this is because you are depriving your body of the nutrients it needs to function. Eating healthy proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, vitamins, and drinking water helps maintain useful bodily function, improving your mental state.
Setting meal and snack times also improve your mental and physical health because your body is getting what it needs consistently without ever feeling hungry. Sticking to a reasonable schedule also helps you avoid grazing and snacking on junk foods intermittently throughout your day.
Solid Sleep Schedule
When you sleep, your body creates hormones such as melatonin, regulating the sleep and wake cycle. Adequate sleep also helps with your circadian rhythm, which can lead to a decreased mental state and weight gain if out of sync. According to the NCBI, not getting enough sleep can hinder these hormonal releases and cycles and exacerbate problems that affect you mentally and physically.
Developing a sleep routine begins with setting a concrete bedtime. Take a half-hour or an hour before sleep to meditate, practice breathwork, or read. These acts help calm your mind and body to prepare you for a good night's rest. Additionally, you'll want to avoid watching your TV or phone as the light from the LED screens manipulate your mind to thinking it is daylight. This manipulation can leave you feeling wired and even interrupt the quality of your rest.
Practicing Self-Care
Never underestimate the power of self-care. These are activities that focus on you treating and pampering yourself. Yes, it is okay to be a little selfish when nurturing your needs. Research shows that self-care activities such as going for walks, journaling, taking a bath, and more help improve your current mental state. Self-care also helps you set healthy boundaries. When implemented into your daily regimen, these self-care acts remind you to get in touch with your needs to avoid getting burned out from other daily tasks.
Seeking Professional Help
While it is essential to manage your health needs on your own, part of maintaining overall health is to maintain a connection with healthcare professionals and friends that support you. Sometimes you need help, and it is okay to consult your counselor, therapist, or friend to discuss how you are feeling. Talking through your feelings with a professional or friend can help you cope with depression and anxiety. Continuing to stay present in meetings and interactions also helps strengthen the bonds with others and expand your network.
Perhaps the most significant detriment to the link between your mental and physical is not recognizing a relationship between the two and not seeking help or pursuing an incorrect diagnosis. Not seeking help only worsens your mental and physical states. If negative thoughts, feelings, and actions are beginning to interfere with your day, it may be time to seek help. At START UP Recovery, we understand the complexities of the relationships between your mental and physical states and, therefore, will work with you to meet your individual needs. Our efforts will include helping to rebuild you from within so that you develop the self-confidence and reliability needed to overcome your negative thoughts and impulses. Your experience with START UP Recovery is not about treatment; it is about transformation. The effort you put in will go beyond just managing a mental or addiction disorder or disease; it will influence all facets of your life, from your career successes to overcome the everyday grind. To learn more, call us today at (310) 773-3809. Start your journey of transformation today.