There is a clear distinction between the mind and body, but when it comes to mental and physical health, you shouldn’t separate both meanings. This is because poor physical health can cause mental health problems and vice versa. However, the link between both aspects of an individual’s health is usually misunderstood. That’s why it’s crucial to know how psychological health and wellness conditions are important for our daily lives. Read on as I show you all about mental health to help you know why it matters.
Recognizing Psychological Health and Wellness Conditions
Physical and mental health care haven’t been as connected as it should. It’s why today, many healthcare professionals will consider psychological wellbeing while treating physical symptoms of conditions and vice versa. There are a lot of ways poor mental health can negatively affect your physical health.
In fact, people who have higher levels of distress are 32% more likely to pass from cancer, while depression is known to be associated with heightened risks of coronary heart disease. Schizophrenia, on the other hand, is associated with higher risks of death from heart or respiratory diseases.
This is due to people not receiving the proper physical healthcare they are entitled to when they suffer from mental health conditions. Reports show that mental health service users are less likely to receive required routine checks that can detect symptoms of physical conditions. Furthermore, they are less likely to be given help for diet adjustments or giving up vices.
This is why it’s crucial to be aware of mental health conditions to also aim for optimum physical health. But mental health is not just about avoiding various conditions, but to look into achieving proper wellness and happiness. But how? By learning how to create balanced wellness conditions to improve both your mind and body.
There are different factors that can make or break your psychological and physical health, such as:
Diet
Proper nutrition is an absolutely vital factor that influences the way we feel AND measure our physical health. Healthy and balanced diets are those that include a healthy amount of proteins, complex carbs, essential fats, vitamins, minerals, other nutrients, and water.
What we consume influences the development, management, as well as prevention of both mental and physical health conditions, from depression down to gut health.
With this said, you will need to skip the processed and high-calorie foods with low amounts of nutrients, which are linked not only to heart diseases but depression and anxiety as well. Do NOT skip meals, which leads to unhealthy snacking and fatigue.
Instead, focus on including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, fish, and healthy fats into your diet. It will increase your brain function and have your body feel better to expend even more energy for daily activities.
You may also need to stop vices such as alcohol consumption and smoking if you do so. These have major negative impacts on both mental and physical health, causing lung cancer, liver failure, or worsening symptoms of mental health.
Exercise
Physical activity, whatever form, is an excellent way to maintain physical and mental health. Research shows how exercise can influence the release and maintenance of “happy chemicals,” to the brain which is endorphins. Even just ten minutes of exercise can increase one’s energy, mood, and mental alertness.
As for the physical side of things, exercise uses your muscles and will expend energy. It will improve your quality of life by lessening the risk of heart disease, maintaining proper weight, among other benefits.
Sleep
Not getting enough hours of sleep can be linked to depression, stress, and anxiety. It can also affect your physical energy levels, draining you to the point it causes physical sicknesses.
That’s why you need to have at least seven hours of sleep a night, following good sleep hygiene. Relax a few hours before bed and lower your caffeine intake, keeping consistent with your sleep schedule.
By focusing on these different factors, you can create a good environment to help improve and recognize your psychological health and wellness conditions.
Wrapping it Up
Many of us may not be as aware of mental health and are important yet. That’s why it’s crucial to learn more about it to make sure you can make your environment a better place to stay healthy in both mind and body. If ever, you can get yourself checked with a good medical professional, with after hours GP being able to accommodate you anytime.
I hope that this article taught you all about mental health and wellness conditions. Continue to learn and become more aware of psychological health and your emotions today.
Do you have any questions or would like to share your experiences in terms of psychological health? Share it in the comments section below, all your thoughts are much appreciated!
