Improvements to physical health reap huge rewards with mental health too
More and more as a society we are realising the importance of good physical health and its impact on our mental health and emotional wellbeing. As its world health day on the 7th of April now would be a good opportunity to think about the link between both physical and mental health.
Maintaining good physical health is essential for overall well-being, and it also plays a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. The link between physical health and emotional well-being is well-established, and research has shown that taking care of your physical health can have a significant impact on your emotional and mental well-being.
One of the most important ways to maintain good physical health is through regular exercise. Exercise not only improves cardiovascular health, but it also releases endorphins, chemicals that naturally boost mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Additionally, regular exercise can help to improve sleep, which is essential for maintaining good mental health.
A healthy diet is also essential for maintaining good physical health. Eating a balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help to provide the body with the necessary nutrients to function properly. Additionally, a healthy diet can help to regulate weight, which can also have a positive impact on mental well-being.
Managing stress is another important aspect of maintaining good physical health. Stress can have a negative impact on both the body and mind, and it can lead to a variety of physical and mental health problems. Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Other ways to improve physical health include getting enough sleep, managing chronic conditions, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
In conclusion, taking care of your physical health is an essential step in promoting good mental health. The link between physical health and emotional well-being is clear, and by taking care of your physical health, you can improve your emotional and mental well-being. By making physical activity, healthy eating, stress management, adequate sleep and avoiding bad habits a priority, you can ensure that your body and mind are functioning at their best.
Book Suggestion
The Colour thief by Andrew Fusek Peters and Polly Peters.
Drawing on personal experiences of living in a family blighted by depression, this unusual, yet important, book may help youngsters to make sense of an illness they cannot see.
Top tip:
Keep it cool for a good nights sleep. The optimal temperature for sleep is between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius.
Ask a question:
Fun Fact:
What some people believe - People with mental health problems are violent and unpredictable.
NO THIS IS NOT TRUE
Fact: The vast majority of people with mental health problems are no more likely to be violent than anyone else.
Most people with mental illness are not violent and only 3%–5% of violent acts can be attributed to individuals living with a serious mental illness.
In fact, people with severe mental illnesses are over 10 times more likely to be victims of violent crime than the general population.
You probably know someone with a mental health problem and don’t even realize it, because many people with mental health problems are highly active and productive members of our communities.
Autism spectrum disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. It is considered a spectrum disorder because the symptoms and severity can vary widely from person to person.
People with autism may have difficulty communicating and interacting with others, and may have repetitive behaviors or interests. They may also have difficulty understanding social cues and may have difficulty with sensory processing. Some individuals with autism may have intellectual disability, while others may have above average intelligence.
It is important to note that autism is not a disease, it is a neurological disorder, and it is not caused by bad parenting or poor upbringing. Also, autism is not a one-size-fits-all condition
The BMA reports ASD affects 1 in 100 children in the UK, and it is four to five times more common in boys than girls. Early identification and intervention can greatly improve outcomes for individuals with autism and their families.
It’s also important to remember that people with autism have unique strengths and abilities, and should be accepted and valued for who they are. By understanding that autism is a spectrum disorder, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and accepting society for individuals on the autism spectrum.
