Good health involves a variety of components. Poor physical health can increase your risk of emotional distress, while constant stress can cause physical disorders. Creating optimal health requires taking the time to address your moods as well as your physical ailments. Proper nutrition and adequate exercise can improve both your physical and mental health.
Mind and Body Connection
Your physical body responds to how you feel and think. Addressing emotional problems can help strengthen your immune system, decreasing your chances of catching colds and other infections. Recognizing physical manifestations of emotional problems can benefit your health. Physical symptoms that can indicate the presence of an emotional problem include insomnia, weight changes, headaches, high blood pressure, back pain and heart palpitations. Likewise, physical disorders, such as chronic illness or constant pain, may lead to emotional stress and depression. Physical changes, such as hormone fluctuations, may also affect your mood and alter your sense of well-being.
Exercise
Regular physical activity is important to both your physical and mental health. Regular exercise can help you control your weight, strengthen your bones and muscles, increase your chances of living longer and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Exercising for about 30 to 60 minutes at least three to five times each week may reduce your risk of depression, help you sleep better and improve your thinking and judgment skills.
A 2001 study conducted by Freie Universitaet in Germany concluded that aerobic exercise can improve the moods of patients who suffer from major depressive disorders. The study required 12 patients to work out for 30 minutes a day for 10 days. The subjects described a decrease in the intensity of their symptoms, and their test scores showed significant reductions in depression.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition helps supply your body with the nutrients it needs to perform a variety of physical actions. Consuming a balanced diet also guards against the possibility of harmful nutritional deficiencies. Eliminating unhealthy substances, such as sugar and alcohol, can improve both your emotional outlook and your physical health.
Stress
Although you cannot avoid every stressful situation, continual stress can lead to physical and emotional ailments. WomensHealth.gov says symptoms of stress can include headaches, difficulty sleeping and upset stomach. Emotional changes due to stress may include anxiety, depression, short temper, low morale, lack of focus and withdrawal. Reduce your stress level by taking time to relax each day, sleeping about seven to nine hours each night and enjoying the company of friends and loved ones. A professional therapist may help you uncover areas of hidden stress and offer helpful advice on dealing with and minimizing the destructive effects of the stressors in your life.
