Mentally ill people have heard it before. Try to exercise. Cleaning your room. Healthy eating is important. Smile more. All of this sounds like empty platitudes from people who are not the right people.
The most frustrating thing about all this advice is that all of it is true. It is important to note that your mental stability and physical health are closely linked. This fact is widely misrepresented, since there is no exercise routine that can cure depression.
We will discuss some of the ways that your mental and physical health are linked. You need to be aware of 7 important things to keep yourself healthy.
Your Body is a Reaction to Chemicals
People tend to think that their bodies are static. You are not a stone statue. The chemical reactions that keep you alive are the reason why you’re constantly moving, both inside and outside. This is the key to staying healthy.
Every organ and system has multiple layers. For example, your skin is constantly growing, aging and dying. The same is true for your hair. Even your eye and bone cells are different than when you were first born.
This note is important in all points.
Exercise Is Not Just For Your Muscles
People often dissuade them selves from exercising, because they believe there is no purpose if they don’t take it to the extreme. “Why run? “I’ll never become a professional runner.”
This way of thinking focuses on one single reason why people run. Running (and all forms of exercise in general) have many other benefits than making you a more proficient runner. It releases happy chemicals and helps to process chemicals that cause stress in the body.
The majority of your body’s functions are invisible
Let’s continue the discussion on “runner’s High”. This is a positive rush that some runners feel. This is true for almost any physical activity. What if you’ve never done it before?
This is a pretty common phenomenon. Runner’s High is caused by a rush dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that has a strong association with happiness. Most of the time the amount of dopamine released during physical activity isn’t enough to make you feel the effect.
It doesn’t mean that it isn’t there just because you cannot feel it. Dopamine makes you happier even if you don’t feel it.
Stomachs are no different
The “gut biome” has become a popular marketing strategy and a talking point for food companies to promote their products. The ecosystem of bacteria in your stomach is called the gut biome. They colonize your stomach and help you consume food that your body cannot process.
It is surprising how closely the gut biome and mental health are related. Certain foods can stimulate the growth and development of certain bacteria. Sugar or soda consumption, for example, can lead to gut bacteria that consumes sugar.
It is fascinating to note that even a small change in diet may have a chemical reaction. People are often unconsciously aware that a varied diet is better for their health. This may be why they instinctively crave a variety. This is the product of gut bacteria.
Sleep is Important
Sleep is one of the most important factors in your health. You will be less fit if you get little or no sleep.
In most cases, “less healthy” is a very broad term. It is, however, a pretty accurate description of sleep. Sleep allows the muscles to heal and the brain to relax, while also allowing the body to burn more energy. All of these are important tasks for the body.
Negative thinking and bad moods are a constant result of fatigue and drowsiness.
Poor mental health slows down body chemistry
We have discussed how the physical body influences your mental health. But your mental health can affect your body right back. Your insulin resistance, blood pressure, and muscle development can all be affected.
It is easy to get caught in a spiral of low moods and deterioration as your body degrades. This lowers your mood further.
As long as you can move, there is hope
Humans have evolved a body that can get them out of this spiral. We are complex beings. We have therefore developed simple ways to get the mood-boosting chemical we need to survive. Of course, this means getting your body moving.
It does not mean only working out. This also includes going outside to breathe in the fresh air. You should smile even when you have no reason to. It’s about eating healthy food, and even eating foods that you enjoy despite them not being the best for you.
source: Epiphany Wellness
The conclusion of the article is:
Do not hesitate to get help if you feel that your mental health affects your physical health. You can find many ways to break out of the “downward spiral”, but you don’t have to.
The relationship between mind and body is complex. You can’t account for every little thing you do to optimize the system. Try your best to eat well, exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle. You aren’t giving yourself a shot if you don’t at least do that.
