In this complex web of human life, it is a self-evident fact that the mind and body are intricately linked. Its long been a known fact the your body should be at its peak of performance as once all is in order with it everything can come together to support optimal mental health. Here, we take a deeper look at the interconnected relationship between physical health and mental wellness in order to understand how maintaining balanced lifestyle helps us keep our minds sound.
The Body-Mind Connection
The notion of body-mind connection refers to the complex interdependence between an individual’s mental health and physical well-being. This reveals the fact that there is a flow between our body and mind being indicated by each shaping their mood. A body that functions appropriately is the foundation for a mind that can withstand with ease.
When you exercise and it feels good, the surge of endorphins will elevate your mood
When we exercise, the brain releases endorphins (often called feel-good hormones) into our system. The result is that these neurotransmitters have the natural effect of raising mood — and inducing good feelings. Exercise has been found to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, highlighting the ways in which our physical health impacts mental well-being.
Both have a stress reduction and cortisol regulation benefits
Physical movement is also fundamental to managing stress as it helps regulate cortisol levels. Over time, cortisol (that pesky stress hormone) can build up in the body. Not only is it a natural way to help alleviate stress- releasing tension and facilitating better management of cortisol by the body which directly contributes towards maintaining our mental health.
Improved Sleep Quality
Sleep is an important factor that contributes to our overall health, both physically and mentally. Working out on the regular has also been proven to get you better sleep because it can help with getting that deeper, more restful snooze. Long story short, if you want to be a highly efficient human or just not feel like garbage every day sleep well. Lack of high quality gets in the way of cognitive prowess, emotional control and all around mental resilience
Enhanced Cognitive Function
Cognitive performance indicates a close relationship with physical factors(required); Regular physical activity has been shown to improve memory, increase attention span and boost overall cognitive function. Exercise causes blood flow and oxygen to be sent top your brain, which helps create more neurons & allows them to connect in new ways
Balanced nutrition for brain health
Not only do the nutrients we consume fuel our bodies, but they too have a large bearing on how your brain functions. The nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins collectively help in an enhanced brain health. The brain is nourished with high-porosity foods replenishing mood, cognition and mental health.
Ways to Develop Resilience and Coping mechanisms
An in-shape body creates the base upon which resilience and coping strategies are contingent on. Exercise trains you to be disciplined, motivated and gives you a sense of what achievement feels like. Each of these features helps one in developing a strong psyche which could help him/ her to face certain tests provided by life.
There is almost nothing more grounding to the mind than good physical health. To live a meaningful life one must take care of their body as well as mind, therefore an integrated approach to well being is key. Acknowledging the interconnected nature of physical health and mental well-being, individuals can begin to undertake a path that will open up space for them toward greater resilience in joyously being alive. This is simply putting the physical condition before fitness, which in turn helps to improve well-being through both body and mind health for a better, happier life.
