Mental health has a major influence on your overall health and well-being. All need to keep their psychological and emotional well-being on priority. This affects the way we feel, think and behave in our daily lives as well as how we can handle our daily stress and make decisions in our lives. Our Mental health and lifestyle choices are strongly connected and dependent on each other in different ways.
Let’s understand the relationship between mental health and a healthy lifestyle
Lifestyle management including eating healthy, daily exercise, and maintaining a positive look are not enough to manage some mental health disorders. Still, they have a powerful impact on our mental health and how we take care of ourselves regularly.
Anxiety and depression are some well-known mental disorders and some types of addiction and abuse are also complicated by factors that connect with our mental health. However, no matter the cause, lifestyle changes with appropriate treatment can help prevent these disorders and improve our mental health.
Factors that cause mental health problems
More than 50% of people in our country will be diagnosed with a mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Mental health is not static; it can change over time and experiences.
The reasons behind mental health are complex and intertwined. As mentioned above mental health and lifestyle are linked to each other, experts also say that mental health is determined by a combination of biological factors, lifestyle factors, life experiences, and family health history as well.
Biological factors
The biological causes behind mental illness are diverse, including chemical imbalances, infections of the brain, brain injuries or defects, early damage to the brain such as birth trauma, poor nutrition and exposure to environmental toxins.
In the end, genetics and heredity also play a major role in the mental health of people. People with a family history of mental illness have a greater risk of developing one themselves. You cannot change injuries or inherited traits, but lifestyle changes may help ease some of the vulnerabilities caused by biological factors.
Life experiences
People who are frequently exposed to stressful surroundings and survivors of traumatic experiences have a high risk of developing mental disorders. Examples of some of those life experiences include:
- Childhood abuse
- Sexual assault
- Poverty
- Frequent exposure to violence
- The loss of a loved one
- Homelessness
- Substance use and addiction
Why is a healthy lifestyle important for your mental health?
You already know that lifestyle choices make a big difference in your physical health. Smoking, drinking alcohol, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle increase your risk of physical illness.
Your mental health is also impacted by the lifestyle choices or decisions you make in a day. Some other factors, such as what you eat in a day, how much physical work you do, how frequently you socialise, and many others can create an impact on your mental health.
What Does a Positive Lifestyle Entail?
Making positive lifestyle changes can potentially improve your mental health. Read out the following healthy tips to incorporate in your lifestyle:
Change your diet: Eating an anti-inflammatory diet stimulates good brain health and may avoid health conditions like heart disease.
Exercise: Regular physical activity has a profound positive effect on mental health and helps boost overall mood.
Education: Learn more about stress management to improve your healthy lifestyle and mental health.
Sleep schedule: Make sure to get enough, restful sleep as it helps to build emotional and mental strength.
Keep a Journal: Pen down your thoughts and worries in a diary that will help to release mental tension and know thinking patterns.
Strong Support System: A healthy social life or just talking to someone you trust helps in maintaining your mental health and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Nurturing your mental health by Fitness Care Guide is a vital part of your life. The healthier lifestyle choices you make, the more your body and mind will be equipped to face daily life challenges.