The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. It further states that there’s no health without mental health.
A quick Internet search on human physiology clearly explain how our physical and mental are intertwined with each other. Our mental health can be impacted by our senses, physical stability, and general wellness.
Similarly, our mental health can influence physical health through our behavior and characteristics or simply in terms of issues like anxiety or depression.
Here are five major ways to elaborate on how both our can affect each other.
Healthy Diet
When you feel depressed or anxious, your body automatically may demand for excessive food intake. In fact, it may even crave a binge on junk food. This happens when your depression is triggered; your neurological system stimulates such hormones that increase you hunger. Simultaneously, when you eat healthy your brain does not have to push itself hard to constantly send stimuli to your stomach for excessive food.
Sufficient Sleep
As you might know, psycho-somatic symptoms are the physical manifestation of mental health. It’s a very common characteristic. Our body is primarily operated by the brain that needs to refresh with high quality sleep for a duration of 6-9 hours within every 24 hours. As we deprive ourselves of sleep, this not only affects the brain functionality but also affects the body to not perform equally well.
Your thoughts drive your results
The human brain is a spectacular machine – it’s the first super computer. A super computer is programmed by a human to perform all its’ tasks. Our brain is so similar! You need to program it to work in the way that will benefit you. The human brain will think thoughts that are trying to protect you and keep you safe and comfortable. That is the work of the lizard brain; the part of the brain left from when we were still out hunting and gathering. Your thoughts will determine your actions, which will determine your results. For this reason, it is so important that you pre-program your mind with deliberate thoughts for a better life – mentally and physically.
Exercise
Physical activity in any form reduces the risk of getting sick, plus it helps you nourish your mental wellbeing. Medical science proves that any sort of physical activity that requires your muscles to stretch, increase your heart rate or speed up your blood circulation produces a good chemical called ‘endorphins’ in brain. This enhances our energy, promotes positivity and improves quality of life.
Toxins
Various forms of toxins will have a serious impact on your physical and mental conditions. These come from different sources such as chemicals in shampoo, lotion, deodorant, make up, etc. All types of intoxicants have capability to play with our nervous system. Once they are in blood, they may control several brain functionalities by irregular production of hormones and stimuli. Use as many clean, natural products as possible.
In Conclusion
Poor health conditions –whether mental or physical- can cause a profound impact on your overall well-being. While mental stability improves our physical health, physical fitness leads to relief in stress and anxiety, improves memory, and boosts your overall system.
