What impacts mental and physical health?

Poor physical health has been linked to the development of mental health conditions and vice versa.

Factors on individual’s lifestyles impact one’s physical and mental health. Some of these factors include:

• Diet: Diet is a significant component of physical health. You can read more about this factor in another section of this site. In addition to the body, diet impacts the mind as well. The food you eat, particularly the nutrition included in it, plays a large role in the development of the mind and the prevention of negative health conditions.
• Exercise: Remaining active is a large part of physical health. So large that it makes up its own section on this site. However, many people don’t realize the importance of physical activity regarding mental health. Exercise circulates and releases many hormones that influence important bodily processes. For example, endorphins are distributed through the brain during physical activity. Endorphins are commonly referred to as “feel good chemicals” as they provide the individuals with mental alertness and a positive state of mind. Furthermore, the expenditure of energy through exercise has been linked to decreased levels of stress and anxiety among people as well.
• Inefficient sleeping schedule

Most issues associated with mental well being and physical health are chronic, meaning they occur or persist for a long period of time. Reducing risk factors associated with mental and physical health, including diet, exercise and sleeping patterns, will prevent the development of these chronic conditions.