The Importance of Physical Health with Mental Health

In this week’s blog, I am doing something a bit different because of a minor back injury I have. Please remember that if your body is telling you something, LISTEN TO IT.

The mind and the body are often considered separate entities. Many people talk about how important it is to exercise, be physically healthy, maintain a healthy diet, etc., BUT mental health is just as important when it comes to also being physically healthy! Personally, I feel so much better after I exercise. Exercising is proven to decrease levels of anxiety and stress.

Think about it. If you are mentally healthy, you are going to want to go out to get exercise and practice a healthy life style. If you are not mentally healthy, the odds of you wanting to participate in any physical activity are slim due to the outcomes of poor mental health, such as: depression, stress, anxiety, etc. Stress is very harmful to the body. It can cause high blood pressure, loss of sleep, increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Exercise is a great way of releasing those unwanted thoughts. It gives the person a chance to focus on the exact body movements they are performing - such as how they are bending their arms/legs and keeping their ab muscles tight when doing a push-up, or a plank - instead of these intruding negative thoughts. According to Health Prep, one of the stress-moderating chemicals your body produces is called norepinephrine. Low levels of norepinephrine have been linked to mental illnesses such as depression. Moderate exercise helps improve the body’s overall concentration of norepinephrine, which means existing stress and related symptoms of depression can lessen as a result.

Physical activity benefits mental health a tremendous amount! Exercise can alleviate many of the symptoms of depression, such as fatigue, tension, anger, and reduced vigor. Exercising helps loosen tense muscles. People with anxiety naturally have experience with tense muscles. However, quality exercise helps loosen muscles and relieve this pent-up tension, which will end up benefiting both the persons physical health and mental health. When you are exercising, your body is releasing a chemical, known as endorphins. They can help focus your mind, reduce the impact of pain on your body, and improve your mood. Also, some reports indicate the endorphins released during exercise have much of the same effect as traditional anxiety medication, and the results can last for hours afterward, and over time can lessen the severity of the anxiety overall.

Being in shape also helps boosts self-confidence and boosts self-esteem when accomplishing any exercise goal! You know the saying, "Feel Good. Look Good"? That is very true, at least for me, personally. When I feel my best physically and mentally, I look my best. You can see it on my face and the way I carry myself. That feeling when you just beat your personal record during a 5k, or that feeling when you can see yourself getting stronger, you will have the biggest smile on your face! A pretty smile makes everyone feel good. Just think about any of the weight loss shows you have ever seen on T.V. Before, they are sluggish, unhappy with themselves, and their lifestyles and are craving for a change. The ends of those T.V. shows always make me happy because I truly enjoy seeing people reach their goals, and seeing the natural, genuine smiles on their face because they are PROUD.

Think about the way you feel after you are done working out. Are you happy and energized? Are you satisfied? Are you excited for the next workout? I know I feel all of those things. I feel super accomplished and ready to take on the day after a successful workout. My body and my mind both feel stronger, and I am overall in a better mood.

Stay tuned for next week! I am hoping my back is better, so I am ready to share another workout vlog! Be sure to check out my previous vlogs and let me know how you do.