When someone asks you about how your health is doing, many of you probably only think about your physical health. Don’t worry, because I usually do too. That’s because physical health is more publicized and commercialized. “Come join our gym to start feeling good about your body!” And “Check out this gadget that will make it easier to eat your fruits and vegetables.” Sound familiar? When was the last time you heard or saw anything about counselor groups or ways to get help for your mind? But the problem is, mental health should not be ignored. Because mental health and wellness is not just mental anymore.
Exercise
The last time I went to the gym to workout, I went there for two reasons. First, so I can exercise my body and not be so lazy anymore. But secondly, it was to give my mind a chance to redirect and focus on something else instead of my overwhelming thoughts. And if you ask anyone that is hiking, walking, or running, they will tell you all about the physical benefits, but they will also mention that it helps calm their minds. Because physical health is not just physical anymore.
Connection
I have mentioned this many times before. Physical health is connected to mental health and vice versa. Let’s look at depression. Many symptoms of depression are low energy or motivation to do anything. There are many reasons that depression can develop, but there are many physical reasons as well. A professional sports player that gets hurt at a game can develop depression as they suffer and heal through the injury. But did you know that physical ailments can develop from mental health? Like that same player finding out that they are being traded or released from the team. The depression can develop and pull the player’s mind away from exercising and training. Resulting in health issues and in some cases life threatening diseases.
More than one
Anxiety is the same way. The fear of acting or doing something. That hurt player may find themselves scared to play again in fear of getting hurt worse. And anxiety can stop a person from making a decision to stay or leave a toxic environment. One can easily develop into the other. Building on the potential of further damage to come. This is why physical health AND mental health need to be cared about equally. How countless lives can be saved through care and support for both.
Time is now
As you start thinking about your health, please keep in mind your mind. Eating healthier, working out or moving your body more, and keeping your mind healthy are all areas that build wellness. There are tools to help physical well-being and there are tools for mental well-being. Take a minute and think about how you can exercise your mind. How you can build mental health in your life. And don’t forget to also lean on your support for the harder times. We have all been through them.
Enjoy this video.
With great warmth,
