You may have heard the expression: “healthy mind; healthy body.” It sounds like important wisdom, but what does that phrase really mean? For years it has been theorized that physical and mental health are connected; modern science has now demonstrated that such a connection really does exist.
But the opposite is also true – “healthy body; healthy mind.” Science also shows physical health is linked and dependent upon one’s state of mind, and so the relationship between our inner world and outer world is inexorably tied. The body responds to the way we feel, think, and act. Emotional or mental imbalance creates physical symptoms, from aches and pains to elevated blood pressure. These imbalances can then lead to chronic health issues and disease.
An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry over jobs, finances, or life’s problems can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches, and stomach discomfort. It may also lead to high blood pressure or other serious problems.
In a vicious circle, constant pain or a health problem like heart disease can affect your emotions. You might become depressed, anxious, and stressed, which could affect how well you treat, manage, or cope with chronic illness.
The Role of the Mind upon the Body
Did you know mental or emotional problems are associated with the development of physical disease? An estimated 95% of all high-stress can be caused or aggravated by stress. Individuals with high-stress levels are even more likely to catch colds. It is not uncommon for individuals to develop hypertension or an ulcer after particularly stressful life events.
Depression has been linked to a range of disorders, including strokes, heart disease, and diabetes. Other mood and emotional problems can also take a toll. In one study, people who had difficulty coping with anger or intense anxiety were found to have a ten times greater risk for the development of heart arrhythmias
The right attitude and social supports can also impact health in positive ways. The saying, “Laughter is the best medicine” is true; laughter has been found to reduce pain, speed healing, and increase creativity. Being active in a group—even something as simple as a bowling club—can actually increase one’s longevity, and social networks also provide needed emotional and physical support. In one study of women with metastatic breast cancer, participation in support groups doubled survival rates.
Sadly, scientists have found that individuals with mental health or substance abuse problems have a life expectancy of decades lower than the general population. Taking care of one’s physical health is a critical part of the recovery process for those with behavioral health problems.
The Role of the Body upon the Mind
Research supports the role of physical activity in helping manage many different mental disorders. Active people have been found to be less depressed than inactive ones, and people with chronic depression are more like to go into remission with regular exercise.
Due to increased levels of oxygen and endorphins, individuals who exercise regularly feel more alert and have more energy, better memory retention, and a greater sense of wellbeing. As little as 20-30 minutes of vigorous physical activity daily is sufficient to achieve results.
Yoga, meditation, and other relaxation strategies have been found to ease stress, depression, and sleep problems. There is growing evidence that the practice of meditation can even slow cognitive decline in older adults.
Eating healthy foods in moderation can increase emotional well-being and reduce many of the physical problems often associated with mental illness, such as fatigue and obesity.
Getting approximately eight hours of sleep per night is a goal few adults achieve, but the benefits are worth the effort. Adequate sleep improves mood and concentration, as well as decreasing physical health risks.
By being mindful and following these healthy lifestyle practices, individuals may significantly improve both their mental and physical health.
Your mind and body are powerful allies; how you think can affect how you feel. And how you feel can affect your thinking.
Most importantly, your mind can have a positive effect on your health, so don’t discount optimism. Having a positive outlook on life might help you better handle pain or stress and stay healthier than someone who is less hopeful.
An individual should strive for a state of total wellness, one in which there is a sense of balance in the mental, physical, spiritual, and social elements of his or her life. Following wellness principles can help one achieve increased resiliency, greater longevity, and overall better physical and mental health.
