Mental health is being talked about a lot more than it used to be (thank goodness), but do you know how very much physical health affects mental health? Aerobic exercises, including jogging, swimming, cycling, walking, gardening, dancing, etc. have been proven to reduce anxiety and depression.  This is proposed to be caused by the exercise-induced increase in blood circulation to the brain.  Being active releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Exercise has also been found to alleviate or reduce symptoms such as low self-esteem and social withdrawal.

Other health benefits from regular exercise and eating well include:

• Improved sleep
• Better endurance
• Stress relief
• Improvement in mood
• Increased energy and stamina
• Reduced tiredness that can increase mental alertness
• Improved memory/brain function
• Protection against many diseases
• Aid in weight management
• Improvement in joint pain and stiffness
• Lower blood pressure and improved heart health

On the flip side, poor care of your physical health can contribute to, well, poor physical health.  In turn, poor physical health can significantly increase the risk of developing mental health problems.  In fact, statistics show that nearly 1 in 3 people with a long-term physical health condition also has a mental health condition such as anxiety or depression.  

Vice versa, poor mental health can impact physical health.  Our bodies and minds are not separate, so it’s not surprising one will affect the other. Depression can come with headaches, fatigue, belly issues.  Anxiety can greatly impact digestion.  Other symptoms from either may include insomnia, restlessness, and poor concentration. Stress can cause elevated cortisol levels that can disrupt the digestive, immune, cardiovascular, and perhaps even reproductive systems.  Some studies have found that mental illness may even accelerate biological aging and increased rates of age-related diseases. 

The bottom line, physical activity and eating well go hand in hand with both physical and mental health.  Get outside and walk, stretch, play a game, dance. Do what you can to get your heart rate up and release your endorphins (what is released as a response to exercise).  You don’t need much space, so even on a rainy day you can get moving in your room.  Try to get at least 20-30 minutes of active moving/day.  Also be sure to stretch and make some quiet time for yourself.  Put good eats and drinks into your body (what you put in will impact what you get out of your body). Make sure to drink enough water (at least half of your body weight in ounces each day), especially in hotter temps.  Your body…and mind…with thank you for it!

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