What is the link between physical and mental health?
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Our bodies and minds are connected more than we probably even know currently. But so much science exists to support this, that we can no longer deny it.
They are like siblings. Definitely related by both nature and nurture. The best of friends, and the most bitter rivals. They bicker. They stab each other in the back. And if we work hard and are lucky, they perform a beautiful symbiotic dance.
Related posts: Sadness vs depression, How to start over with fitness
This topic has been on my mind a lot recently as you can see from the linked related posts, so I am so happy my blogger friend Alexis was generous enough to share her thoughts on the matter. Thank you so much, Alexis. Make sure to give her a follow after you’re done reading!
Also, I am not a doctor or mental health professional. Just someone who has lived with anxiety for many years who is passionate about sharing her experiences and tips for success. If you are in crisis call your doctor, then click here for some good mental health resources.
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How physical and mental health are related
Have you ever had a lazy week or few days where you were just staying in the house and not moving around much?
I am sure you felt rested but maybe a little foggy and sluggish. This is because physical and mental health can be tied together.
It is no surprise that physical and mental health are linked to longevity. Many studies have shown that people who suffer from mental health illnesses like depression are more likely to live a shorter life.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, schizophrenia is associated with a tripled risk of dying from a repository disease and doubled risk of dying from a form of heart disease.
Also, people who are dealing with depression or are unhappy usually are not making the best choices when it comes to their health. It is important to remember that people do not choose to have mental illnesses and they definitely do not choose to live an unhealthy lifestyle.
A few years ago I used to have really bad anxiety especially when I would go to school.
I mean it was next level. I would have full on breakdowns before and after school. A few years before this I had just quit competitive cheerleading where I would have practice almost every single day; and yes competitive cheerleading is a sport! We would have to stretch, run a mile, work on doing flips, and do our routine over and over every single practice.
Oh, I was also on two teams. Lets just say I was getting TONS of exercise every week.
What happened next
I remember I was so excited to quit because honestly it was taking over my life and I started to lose my passion for it.
For the first few weeks I was on top of the world and felt so nice to just be free. I have always had anxiety but I have been able to control it and calm myself down for the most part. However, a few months after quitting I felt like it was just unbearable. I have always had a hard time going to school mainly because I was very shy and got terrible social anxiety. I still have a hard time with it today, but I noticed a huge difference when I started to work out and add more physical activity into my day.
It is important to understand how the body and mind works together to strengthen your quality of life. Or, in some cases, how it can weaken the quality. There are so many different options when it comes to working out or just simply adding more steps into your day.
Tips for increasing physical activity
- Walking somewhere instead of driving if possible
- Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator
- Go for a walk or workout in the morning (this will help you have a good start to your day)
- Try different physical activities to see what you like
Tips for starting a healthier lifestyle
- Drink more water
- Eat more fruits and vegetables
- Take care of your mental health
- Exercise
- Set attainable goals
Check out this post for more tips on starting a healthier lifestyle.
About the Author
Hi, my name is Alexis and I live in South Florida. I am currently in college working towards my bachelors degree in business administration and management. I have always had a passion for health and fitness since I was a little girl. My favorite thing to do is cook healthy meals for my family. You know that annoying person who is always talking about what you should and should not be putting into your body? Well, that’s me but a little more balanced.
My blog- https://alexisdlee.com/
Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/al3xisslee
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/al3xisdlee/
Pinterest- https://www.pinterest.com/al3xislee/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/al3xisdlee
Thank you so much, Alexis. I’ve been writing about this more and more lately because it is something I truly believe. We can no longer ignore the way our minds and bodies are linked.
Remember the dance I mentioned? The universe is constantly playing music, even when we can’t hear it. Our bodies and minds are conditioned to dance to it. The more we can train them to work together- the more they practice their steps- the more beautiful the dance will be.
Do you allow these dance partners time to practice? Do you allow them to enjoy time together?
Our bodies and minds share a critical bond. They are partners in crime, and at times strange bedfellows. They work together to keep us healthy.
How have you been treating your body lately? Be honest! No judgment. Have you noticed it having an effect on your mental health? Let us know in the comments!
Whatever the case do not forget the connection between our mind and body.
Related posts for physical and mental health:
Health Anxiety: What it is & What you can do
What is hygge?- And how you can make it work for you
Ideas for self care: 11 ways to start feeling better fast
How to get fit: 5 tips for exercise when it is the last thing on your mind
I enjoyed the post even though I felt it was somewhat “generalized”. I’ve been taking some time off of FT employment and I’ve found I’ve done many of the “exercise” items you’ve mentioned. (walking, stairs, etc.) but since I started working with a trainer, that pushes me, and gets my heart rate up that I’ve started to really feel the benefits (and the link between physical and mental health). Thanks for taking the time to put this together, I look forward to more posts like this.
Hey Jim, so glad you enjoyed it! That’s awesome that you are seeing a trainer and getting some results from that. Thanks for reading!
the 2 are definitely related. i’m a chronic pain patient along with other issues and it gets me at times
Hey Katrina, oh no. Chronic pain is so challenging. Hopefully you enter a pain free period soon. Thanks for reading!
It’s interesting how strong is the connection between the physical and mental health. I this the morning exercise can improve both.
Hey Catalina, it definitely can. Even 10-15 minutes a day is better than nothing. Thanks for reading!
It is true that the two are connected. That’s why when you feel mentally tired, you can’t be energetic physically. Same goes the other way around. This blog is a help for people who wanted to figure it out too!
Hey Nathalie, I’m so glad you agree and think it could be helpful for someone. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing this yes I think both physical and mental health are related each other.
Hey Swathi, glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for reading!
I totally agree with you they go hand in hand. That is one reason I exercise.
Hey Lois, glad you are taking care of you. Keep it up, and thanks for reading!
Mental health plays a huge role in one’s being as it can affect many people functions when compromised. This is a helpful and informative read.
Hey there, glad you found it helpful! Thanks so much for reading!
Mental and physical health really do play off of one another. It is very important to manage both.
Hey Kita, absolutely. Thanks for reading!
This is an amazing read,and I so agree with you both are inter related
Hey there, glad you liked it. Thanks for reading!
There is definitely a big correlation between the brain and the body. I felt it the most during the lockdown when I stopped working out like I used to.
Hey Cristina, I believe it. Living during a pandemic just makes everything BLAH. Take care, and thanks for reading!
Feeling this right now. I’ve been fighting anxiety and depression from the virus for the better part of the year now and it’s and upward battle to get ok. I hope that I can take some of your tips and continue to get better.
Hey Aneta, sorry you’ve been having a hard time. This has just been a shit year. We finally got some damn good news yesterday about our pregnancy, but other than that, it’s been a gross year. I hope you feel better soon. Thanks for reading!
What a great post. Informative, as yours always are 🙂
I haven’t been great at taking care of my body in the last year but I’m definitely improving with that as my daughter gets older.
Hey Abby, it can definitely be hard when they’re so small. Just keep plugging away at it! Thanks for reading 🙂
I definitely agree with you that both mental and physical health are connected that is why moving is so important.
Hey Adriana, even if it’s just a bunch of cleaning, I think it’s really helpful. Thanks for reading!
Oh my gosh, I’m feeling that correlation right now! Being stuck inside because of wildfires for the past week is really making me feel depressed. But I have hope that it will rain soon and clear it up!
Hey Becca, hang in there. I hope things improve for you all soon. You guys have been in my thoughts! Stay safe, and thanks for reading!
Thanks for giving a breakdown of the correlation of these two topics.
Hey Tasheena, you’re very welcome! Thanks for reading!
Wow I have to admit I didn’t know that mental health could be linked to physical in such a way. It has blown my mind about schizophrenics!
Hey Sarah, it’s so interesting, isn’t it?? Thanks for reading!
I think everyone needs to read this. I feel so much better in my mind and spirit now that I’ve started taking better care of my body.
Hey Ben, that’s great that you’ve had success with it! Hopefully lots of people find this helpful. Thanks for reading!
Thank you for sharing this post. I also struggle with anxiety and SAD. I am hoping to find an activity that will work well with working from home. Ideally something other than walking to do on my lunch break! I’m pen to suggestions 💜
Hey Tania, I’ve found that Nike Training Club (an app) has some great at home workouts. I would give something like that a try! Thanks for reading 🙂
I will keep your tips in mind. I can see how they are related and I want to be healthy in both. I always have water beside me!
Hey Amber, that is a great start. Water helps with so much! Thanks for reading!
Exercise really does help with depression and anxiety. I feel so much better on the days I’m able to get a walk in.
Hey Pam, I totally agree. Even just for 10-15 minutes! Thanks for reading!
This is so true! Thank you Alexis for sharing this! When I was 17 I decided to eat better and get more active (for the wrong reasons, I just wanted to fit into a size 8 debs dress) but it was a huge surprise when my depression & anxiety got so much better! It wasn’t a cure but it made it easier to live with and I’ve kept up an active healthy lifestyle 6 years later!
That is so great! It can be hard to take that first step but it really does help. Way to go!