Physical health and mental health go hand in hand. If your physical health is lacking, your mental health will suffer and vice versa. Because mental health is complicated and requires more than a daily exercise routine, it makes sense to focus on your physical health first. By improving your physical state of being, your mental state will be lifted as well!

Exercise

The Mental Health Foundation says that physical activity in any form is a great way to keep you physically healthy as well as improving your mental wellbeing. Research shows that doing exercise influences the release and uptake of feel-good chemicals called endorphins in the brain. Even a short burst of ten minutes brisk walking increases our mental alertness, energy and positive mood.Endorphins are the body’s natural opioids to make a person feel happy. These chemicals also help to reduce pain. Therefore, someone who exercises daily is getting more endorphins delivered to them than their sedentary counterpart. Besides the chemical boost, exercise provides an abundance of physical benefits.

Besides the release of endorphins, exercise makes you feel better about yourself. The better you look, the better you feel. If you stick to a committed workout routine, you will begin to see results and your mood will boost. Psychology Today writes that exercise can be so effective at treating mental health problems that some studies show it to be as effective as popular antidepressants.

Diet

Good, quality nutrition is essential to our mental well-being. Mental health research shows that nearly two thirds of those who do not report daily mental health problems eat fresh fruit or fruit juice every day. Compare this with less than half of those who do report daily mental health problems.

So what makes up a healthy diet? Everyone’s dietary needs are unique, but there are some general guidelines. Doctors recommend eating less sugary foods and more whole-grain foods. This provides a more steady stream of sugar into the bloodstream, keeping your mood balanced.

Your mind and body aren’t easily separated. If you struggle with physical health conditions, you’re at an increased risk of mental health problems. If you struggle with your mental health, your physical health is affected negatively. Keep your body and your mind healthy with consistent exercise and a nutritious diet and your body will thank you!