mental health

How Does Mental Health Affect Your Physical Health?

Our mental well being plays an essential role in our physical health. When you remain in good mental health, it prevents your body from developing any serious health issues. Various studies have found that positive psychological conditions can eliminate the risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

Whereas poor mental well being can downgrade your physical health, thus causing ailments. 

Here is how your mental health can affect your physical health;

Chronic diseases

Depression has been connected to various chronic ailments such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, cardiovascular diseases and arthritis. Likewise, schizophrenia has also shown its effect on causing heart issues and respiratory distress. 

Chronic illnesses caused due to mental distress are difficult to deal with. Research has shown that the mortality rate of cancer or heart conditions is higher among people suffering from depression or other kinds of mental health issues.

Sleep issues

People going through mental distress such as anxiety or depression suffer from a sleep disorder, insomnia or sleep apnea. Insomnia can make it difficult for falling asleep, breathing issues and can make you wake up multiple times at night.

Research has shown that around 50-80% of people suffering from mental health conditions also experience sleep disturbances. 

Sleep issues can worsen your mental as well as physical health.

Smoking

People who smoke regularly than those who do not are most likely to suffer from mental health issues. People who suffer from depression come with low dopamine levels, which is responsible for creating positive feelings in your brain. The nicotine present in cigarettes can easily affect dopamine production in our bodies. Thus causing physical distress as well as mental issues.

How to take care of mental and physical well being

Our mental health can easily affect our emotions, psychology and social well-being. It can hinder our thinking, feeling and the process by which we make choices. This is where indulging in the self-care process can help maintain and support your quality of life. 

Seek access to healthcare

Seeking adequate access to health care is important when it comes to mental and physical well being. It is important to take regular medications, maintain a regular exercising regime and follow a proper diet.

Various non-invasive methods such as chiropractic care have shown results in maintaining mental well being by making you feel more relaxed and comfortable.

Not just meant for neck or shoulder pain treatment, chiropractors can help target various health issues such as symptoms of anxiety and depression, as the treatment plan is focused on the mind and body approach.  

Try relaxation therapies

Various relaxation therapies are available and have proven effective for mental and physical well being. These relaxation programmes involve meditation, muscle relaxation and breathing exercises. 

Regular exercising

Exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being. It keeps your mood positive. Indulge in 10 minutes walk, practice yoga or hit the gym for keeping yourself energetic, and mood elevated

Focus on positivity and reach out

When going through physical and mental distress, make sure to reach out to your friends and family to get emotional support. Keep your focus more on positive things. 

Make your sleep a priority.

When sleeping, make sure you stick to a schedule and get enough sleep. Limit your screen time to reduce exposure to blue light which can easily disturb your sleep pattern. 

Follow healthy diet

Following a balanced and nutritious diet can improve your energy and focus. Limiting caffeine, alcohol, and junk food are advisable as these can have adverse effects on your health. Instead, keep yourself hydrated. 

Summary

It is important to indulge in self-care while going through mental or physical distress. These coping techniques can help reduce the impact and symptoms associated with mental or physical issues. 

These coping techniques can help in managing your symptoms in a better way.