When you think about mental health, what immediately comes to your mind? For a lot of people, they’ll think about things like going to therapy, practicing minimalism, hot baths, and generic self-care advice. All of these are aspects of building up mental well-being; there’s no denying that whatsoever. However, with that all said, there’s a lot more that actually goes into mental health. It's pretty common to associate "being healthy" with hitting the gym, eating your greens, and keeping tabs on your physical stats.
But here’s the thing—if your mental health isn't also a priority, you're missing a crucial piece of the wellness puzzle. Basically, you’re not fully healthy if you have six-pack abs; you’re not fully healthy if you’re eating a healthy diet. Yes, by all means, they are extremely important when it comes to being healthy- it’s just the fact that they’re not the only things either.
So, with that all said, you're mental plays apart- physical and mental health are so deeply intertwined that one thing can affect the other. Let's explore why you can't truly be healthy unless you focus on both your physical and mental health and how these two are deeply intertwined.
How Are They Both Connected?
If you think about it, your physical health and mental health are two sides of the same coin. While yes, often, people think of their bodies and minds as separate entities, they're more like best buddies who influence each other constantly.
Ever noticed how a stressful week can make you feel physically drained or even sick? Or how can a good workout lift your spirits for the entire day? That’s the mind-body connection at work! Maybe you’ve been incredibly stressed out to the point you’re having stomach issues- they’re both just heavily intertwined with each other.
The Impact of Neglecting Your Mental Health
You could be a champion at meal-prepping nutritious foods and sticking to your fitness regimen, but if stress, anxiety, or depression are gnawing at you, your physical health will likely suffer, too. Really, it doesn’t matter how strict you keep your regiment; your mental health will bleed out and show on your body, hair, skin, nails, basically all over. Your mental health shows more of you than you might think.
Mental stress can lead to physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and even weaken your immune system- if you’re sick, it’s only going to become more challenging to exercise. On the flip side, mental health disorders can sometimes lead to decreased motivation to care for your physical health. It's all connected. Again, it’s a domino effect.
No matter what, you really can’t neglect any of this whatsoever.
How Can Balancing Mental and Physical Health Benefit You?
So this is actually pretty self-explanatory! Taking care of your mental health doesn’t just prevent the downsides; it actively enhances your quality of life. Sometimes, it can be hard to find a balance, but it definitely is possible. Also, you just need to keep in mind that when you’re caring for one aspect of your health, it does bleed through, and you’re taking care of the other aspect, too. So, if you’re exercising, you’re getting endorphins, which make you happy (as a basic example).
Increased Energy
Just like what was mentioned above, regular physical activity boosts endorphins, but did you know it also helps with anxiety and depression? Yes, so it’s not just about temporarily making you happy, but it can help with constantly poor mental health like depression. So, just pair that with proper mental health care, and you're on your way to feeling more vibrant and cheerful.
Better Physical Health
When you're mentally well, you're more likely to stick to routines that benefit your physical health. Just like what was mentioned earlier, if you’re not mentally doing well, you’ll quickly fall off the wagon and start going for more poor habits. In general, there’s just more motivation, and this means better consistency in your workouts, eating habits, and sleep schedules.
Resilience to Stress
Honestly, it’s all about cultivation, and by cultivating a healthy mental state, you build resilience against life’s stresses. Just think about it for a moment; techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and cognitive-behavioral strategies can improve your ability to cope with everyday challenges, impacting your overall well-being positively.
Everyday Ways to Boost Your Mental Health
Just like brushing your teeth or having breakfast, incorporating mental health habits into your daily routine can really boost your mood and energy levels. The whole point is to incorporate it naturally so it feels like it’s meant to be an everyday thing in your life. Whether you’re looking to calm anxiety, lift your spirits, or just feel a little more grounded, here are some ways you can focus on integrating mental health practices into your everyday life.
Try and Start Off with a Morning Ritual
It’s going to be a really good idea to just try and kick off your day on a positive note! A morning ritual doesn’t have to be elaborate; it could be as simple as stretching for a few minutes, writing down three things you’re grateful for, or sipping your coffee while listening to your favorite song.
Seriously, it’s whatever you want, but this needs to help you out in making the day start out good. So, with that said, just establishing a routine that signals a fresh start can really set the tone for the day. It doesn’t need to be anything big either, like making a large breakfast or exercising early in the morning; it’s just something that should perk you up but make you feel mellow.
Set Boundaries with Technology
Now, by all means, there is absolutely nothing wrong with scrolling on your phone or even playing a game of Solitaire every once in a while on your phone. However, you shouldn’t be too dependent on being on your phone, either. But why? Well, constant notifications and endless scrolling can add to stress.
Plus, being on social media too much is known for damaging self-esteem. It’s going to be a good idea instead to just try and set specific times when you check your emails or social media rather than being on your phone sporadically throughout the day. This little boundary can help you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
Just Have Mindful Moments
Alright, so this piece of advice might be seen as low-hanging fruit, but honestly, it deserves attention! Mindfulness helps you root yourself in the present moment, which is incredibly calming and restorative. You might want to try integrating short mindfulness exercises into your day. This could be a formal meditation session or simply pausing for a deep breath before you begin a new task. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you if you’re new to meditation.
Keep Connected with Others
Even on busy days, try to connect with someone you care about. A quick chat, a text exchange, or sharing a meal can significantly lift your mood and reduce feelings of isolation. Make it a point to reach out and nurture your relationships—it’s good for you and them! But it’s best to do this in person rather than text. While yes, now more than ever, everyone is connected, there’s still that disconnect unless it’s in person.
You Need to Wind-Down Wisely
Just as you start the day with intention, end it on a calm note. Develop a relaxing nighttime routine to help you unwind. This might involve reading, journaling, or doing some gentle stretches. But by all means, you should really try to avoid screens an hour before bed to help signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. In fact, when it comes to winding down, just don’t even incorporate screens.
Are You Practicing Gratitude?
Sometimes, it’s just those little things that remind you that things aren’t actually that bad. So why not look into incorporating gratitude into your daily routine? This piece of advice gets tossed around a lot, but for good reason! Actually, this can significantly shift your perspective and lift your spirits.
One thing you could do would be to just consider starting a gratitude journal where you jot down a few things you're thankful for each day. Simple enough, right? This could be as simple as a sunny day, a good cup of coffee, or a smile from a stranger. But overall, just reflecting on these positives can reduce stress and focus your mind on what’s enriching your life.
Schedule Some “Do Nothing” Time
No, not every waking moment of the day has to be productive- not at all! While sure it might sound counterintuitive, scheduling time to do absolutely nothing can be incredibly beneficial for your mental health. Use this time to disconnect from all obligations—no chores, no plans, no screens—and just allow yourself to be. This can be a powerful way to reset and give your mind a much-needed break. You deserve to have a break. You deserve to not have to worry or think about all the responsibilities you have. You deserve to just unwind!