Does your physical condition affect your mental state, or does your mindset affect your physical health? As it turns out, it’s a two-way street: our physical state can affect our mental health, and our mental health can affect our physical state. It all comes down to the mind-body connection: the feedback loop between your body and mind. And for optimal health in both, it’s important that we view them not as separate entities, but as interlinked parts of the amazing system that keeps the human body functioning. The first step to achieving optimal health in both is to accept and understand this connection between them – then learning how to use each one to help enhance the other. When we exercise, for instance, our bodies release “happy hormones” that can affect our moods and emotions for the better. As we move, our brainwaves will either be on high alert, or encourage us to relax and slow down, both of which are necessary at times. When we are depressed, anxious, or suffering from other mental health challenges, it can be harder for us to get moving – even if that could be what helps us shift our mindset for the better. And it’s not just movement that affects us: it’s also what we eat; the way we sit, stand or move; the positions we sleep in; and the way we allow our bodies to recover. By strengthening the mind-body connection, and understanding how each part works to help the other, we can develop a better relationship with both – like learning to love our bodies for what they are capable of doing rather than just what they look like, or caring for them in a way that keeps us comfortable and feeling good at every age – for a healthier, longer, and happier life.
We hurt in different ways – both emotionally and physically, which are not exclusive of each other, either. And though we often accept the old adage of “time heals all wounds”, in the moment, it is often of little solace in the moment. There might just be the relief we need in another expression, however: studies and research have thrown their considerable modern-day weight behind “laughter is the best medicine”.
Fun fact: there are more than 50 hormones in the human body. Our hormones can affect everything from our metabolism and sleep habits to our sex drive, blood pressure, and reproduction. They can also impact our moods, and our growth and development. But the idea that we must simply remain at the mercy of our hormones at all times is an outdated one. Just like we needn’t let our emotions control us (rather, we can learn to be more in control of our emotions), we can also take a more proactive approach to handling the way we react to – and impact – our hormonal cycles, and the effects they can have on the rest of our lives. This idea has even been given a name in the modern day: cycle syncing, which is when individuals tweak different aspects of their lives – from their working habits and exercise schedules to dietary choices – to flow more naturally with the phases of these cycles, and the ways they can affect the body.
When we strive to be healthier, quite often, we picture a robustly healthy body that’s lean and toned. But how often are we reminded that our physical state can affect our mental state (and vice versa) - and that looking like we are in great shape doesn’t always mean we are healthy on the inside… even on a purely physical basis? It can be hard to find the balance between it all. How often should we exercise for optimal health? Do we need to exercise every day? Are there any particular exercises that are better than others, whether it’s for fat loss, muscle gain, or their effect on our mental health? How many rest days should we be taking? Is exercise good for my mental health? Then comes the non-fitness related questions: What can I eat to feel happier? How can I learn to feel more comfortable in my body? What does it mean to be body-confident? How do I cultivate a more positive body image? How can I strengthen my mind-body connection? What is the best way to sleep? How can I reduce back pain while sitting for long periods of time? Is massage good for me? How can the health of my eyes, hearing, or other senses affect my mental and emotional health? The questions we ask could be as endless as the list of amazing things the incredible machine that the human body can do, and we hope to explore as many as possible.
Sign up to receive our top articles and latest updates delivered directly to your inbox.
