We’re all familiar with the adage ‘healthy body, healthy mind’, but do we ever give it a second thought? Our mental and physical health impact each other – it’s not just a matter of them affecting one another, but of both being interwoven. An abrupt halt to your leisurely run not only hurts your mood but can see you slumping around the house in a funk, full of energy-sapping despair.

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection:

Our neural and chemical systems are connected: hormones such as cortisol released by stress can increase heart rate, blood pressure and muscle tension. Meanwhile, exercise increases the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosters that can lead to happiness. We can positively and negatively improve our mood.

Managing Your Mental Fitness:

But how do we accomplish this robust health – double wellness? Here are some suggestions:

• Treat others with dignity.
• Reconnect with the richness of life: the vibrant colors in autumn, the crunch of snow underfoot, the smoothness of stones on the beach, the smell of freshly mown grass, or the laughter of a toddler.
• Get off your butt and take up some exercise: walk, swim, dance, ride a bike, play tennis or golf. Physical movement promotes psychological well-being.
• Develop a nose for truth. Realize that ‘bad news’ often leads to good outcomes. Integrity and trust both depend on authenticity, and there are both individual and social benefits to admitting mistakes. Denial merely reinforces the tendency to revert to dishonesty. People will soon learn that you cannot be relied upon.
• Keep a grateful diary. Write down five things that made you feel grateful or satisfied each evening. Send it to a friend or – better still – to yourself. At the end of the week, review your diary entries.
• Share gratitude: Write and sign a card to someone, once a week, thanking them for their kindness or for having taught you a valuable lesson.
• Get your body moving. EXERCISE is one of the most effective means of managing stress, anxiety and depression. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity most days of the week.
• Give your body what it needs: Eat foods with protein, vitamins, minerals, good fats: adequate nutrition for your brain and body. Avoid junk food, high-sugar beverages and too much caffeine.
• Sleep enough: Sleep seven to eight hours per night; start a bedtime routine and turn off those screens.
• Socialize: Social interaction is good for mental health. See family and friends, join a club or group, or volunteer in your community.
• Breathe deeply and relax: Using mindfulness strategies such as meditation and deep breathing can help you deal with stress and offer you some peace.
• Talk to a pro: If you are grappling with mental health issues, don’t suffer in silence. Seeing a therapist can provide a supportive space, help you navigate your issues, and offer critical treatment.

Remember: Caring for your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health. Try to incorporate these tips into your daily life for a healthy mind, body, and lifestyle.

Seeking Professional Help:

If you find yourself struggling with mental health symptoms such as anxiety, depression and persistent emotional distress, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. Whether it’s talking to your doctor or seeking the help of a more skilled mental health practitioner, you do not have to live in chronic suffering.
Here are some resources to help you find professional help:

• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
• MentalHealth.gov: https://mentalhealthtx.org/
• The Jed Foundation: https://jedfoundation.org/
• The Trevor Project: 1-866-488-7386
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

And you aren’t on your own. There is a real benefit in looking after your mental health, and by doing so you contribute to making a happier, healthier, more appealing world to live in.