Why Mental and Physical Health Are Deeply Connected

Many people will think about how mental and physical health are separate. Physical health involves exercise, eating, sleeping, and visiting a doctor. Where as mental health is linked to our feelings, thoughts and stress. However, our bodies and brains work together constantly and we can see how they can have an effect on each other. This makes it crucial that we look after both our mental and physical health.

Understanding the link will help us make healthier choices and realise how important it is to look after our minds.

1. Stress can affect physical health

We all experience stress in our lives. However if we are experiencing it frequently or for long periods of time it can cause issues.

When we are stressed our body releases certain hormones (e.g Cortisol and Adrenaline) to help us cope with the situation. Although this can be helpful in the short term, chronic stress can lead to issues with sleeping, headaches, tense muscles, stomach issues and changes in blood pressure.

Chronic stress can also cause issues with how we eat and how much we are moving.

Learning how to control stress by taking time to relax, take breaks, deep breathing and talking can help our mental and physical health.

2. Exercise can improve mental health

Exercise does not only help our muscles, bones and heart but can also help our feelings.

Physical activity helps our brains release chemicals that can affect our mood and help us cope with stress. For some people regular exercise can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. It can also help us sleep better, feel more energised and confident.

You do not have to spend a lot of money on a gym membership or work out intensely.

Simple activities like walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and gently stretching can all help. Even small amounts of exercise can be a great start for those who are busy.

3. Sleep helps the mind and Body

Sleep is crucial to our physical and mental health.

While we are asleep our bodies are working hard to repair tissues, boost our immunity and regulate our energy. Our brain is also working to process information, improve memory and help us manage our feelings.

If we are not sleeping well we can become grumpy, anxious, distracted and tired. If we are not sleeping well regularly we are at a higher risk of developing several issues.

Try to go to bed at the same time each night, limit screen time and create a comfortable sleeping environment.

4. Eating affects our brain and body

The food we eat gives us energy and nutrients that our whole body including our brain need.

By eating a healthy, balanced diet that includes fruit, vegetable, wholegrains, healthy fats and protein we can help our body function normally. B vitamins, Iron and Omega 3 all play an important role in our bodies.

Eating regularly and eating lots of different healthy foods can help us keep our energy levels consistent throughout the day.

Although there is no one food that will definitely improve our mental health, eating healthily will help with our overall physical and emotional health.

5. Look after your mental health as much as your physical health

Often when we are feeling unwell physically we will visit a doctor however we might neglect our feelings.

If you are feeling consistently sad, anxious, stressed or losing interest in everyday activities this is not something to ignore. Mental health issues are real issues and seeking help from professionals is a positive thing to do.

Those with long term physical conditions may also struggle with their feelings.

By understanding how our mental and physical health are linked we can take a holistic approach to our health.

Final Thoughts

Our mental and physical health are closely linked due to our brain and bodies affecting each other constantly. Stress can affect how our body works, exercise can improve our mood, sleep can affect our feelings and our diet helps our brain and body.

Looking after yourself means looking at your overall lifestyle.

Start with simple changes. Be active, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, manage your stress and seek help.

A healthy body will help your mind and a healthy mind will help you look after your body. Both should be looked after, understood and consistently cared for.