To feel a strong sense of health and well-being, you must take good care of both your physical and mental health. For instance, if a person is overwhelmed with stress and anxiety, it could be manifesting in uncomfortable, physical symptoms in the body. This link between mental and physical health goes both ways as one has a profound influence over the other, so if someone’s physical health is poor and they are experiencing chronic pain, then they should carefully examine the state of their mental and emotional health.
Caring for Our Bodies Through Exercise Allows for Better Mental Health
Taking care of ourselves physically promotes good mental health, and there is no easier way to achieve good physical health than through exercise. Exercise releases endorphins that make you feel happier, lower cortisol levels, and stimulate the release of norepinephrine to help you better manage stress. Exercise also has a positive effect on regulating serotonin levels, which is an important hormone in fighting depression. Before beginning any new exercise program, it’s important to get a fitness assessment, so you don’t exercise on top of muscular imbalances or dysfunction, which will increase your risk for injury. If you are aware of any previous injuries that are affecting your physical health, then be sure to address them with the right corrective, rehabilitative therapies.
Controlling Our Thoughts and Emotions as the Key to Vibrant Physical Health
Many people know the connection to channeling their physical health to improve their mental health, but few realize the huge impacts our mental and emotional health has on our bodies. When you aren’t bogged down by negative thoughts and emotions, enjoying life can feel effortless, with health and wellbeing as a natural byproduct. If we suppress our hardest experiences and emotions, they linger within us and negatively affect our bodies, holding power over us. Learning how to better manage anxiety, depression, stress, and emotions is important so they can no longer influence our physical health unknowingly. To gain better control over your anxiety, depression, stress, and emotions, try some of the following:
- Seek help from a coach, counselor, or therapist
- Try mind-body exercises like yoga or qi gong
- Start a meditation practice
- Experiment with aromatherapy or similar holistic approaches
- Uncover and resolve any underlying emotions and past traumas contributing to your anxiety and depression
Focusing on both your physical and mental health results in greater happiness and well-being in life. Both must be in balance for us to thrive. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health concerns, contact Avalon Malibu. Avalon is a world-renowned, licensed mental health treatment and addiction rehab center in Southern California. We provide the best evidence-based mental health therapies and well-rounded support so our clients can find lasting success in their recovery. For more information, contact us at (844) 857-5992 and take the first steps towards better health.
