Connection of mental and physical health to each other

some tips to reduce risk of mental and physical illness





Did you know that taking care of your mental/emotional health is just as important to a long healthy life as taking care of your physical health?

Poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems. Similarly, poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions.

physical health, mental health can effect motivation, energy level and other daily functioning tasks.





What is mental/emotional health?





Mental or emotional health refers to your overall psychological well-being. It can include the way you feel about yourself, the quality of your relationships and your ability to manage your feelings and deal with difficulties.



Mental health and physical health are very closely connected. Mental health plays a major role in your ability to maintain good physical health. Mental illnesses, such as depression and anxiety, affect your ability to participate in healthy behaviors. This can result in problems with physical health, such as chronic diseases, and can decrease a person’s ability to participate in treatment and recovery.





There are some simple steps to reduce risk of physical illness and mental illness :





1. Some simple steps to reduce risk of physical illness:

Eat a well-balanced diet( Eat like a champion. For good health, avoid saturated fats, cholesterol, refined carbs and sugars and trans fats)

get plenty of rest( sleep well)

get routine check-ups and tests

incorporate regular exercise into your schedule.





2. Some simple steps to reduce risk of mental illness:

Eat a well-balanced diet.

get plenty of rest.

get routine check-ups and tests.

incorporate regular exercise into your schedule.

Quit smoking.





Some tips to keep your balance mental illness and physical illness.





1. Learn how to deal with stress:





Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.





2. Quiet your mind:



Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy. To get connected, see spiritual resources on Personal Well-being for Students.





3. Set realistic goals:



Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule.





4. Avoid alcohol and other drugs:





Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. For more information, see Alcohol and Other Drugs.





5. Take care of your body:



Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

Eat nutritious meals

Avoid cigarettes -- see Tobacco Cessation Help

Drink plenty of water

Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods

Get enough sleep.





6. Value yourself:



Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects.





7. Exercise regularly



Along with weight management and physical health, exercise offers protective benefits to your mental health.aerobic exercises reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Aerobic activities include:

jogging

swimming

cycling

walking

gardening

dancing.





8. Enjoy a healthy diet

Less nutritious foods such as processed foods, fast food, and sweets can all undermine mental health. The Mental Health Foundation recommend eating a balanced and varied diet that includes:

breads and cereals, mostly wholegrain

nuts and seeds

beans and lentils

fruits

vegetables. A nutritious diet ca n reduce mood swings and increase energy levels.



