The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health

Making a change in yourself to live healthier and better includes improving your physical health. If you struggle with your mental health, managing your physical health will help you maintain control over your symptoms. In addition, staying physically healthy will keep you healthier overall. West Coast Recovery Centers believes that it is important to include a focus on your physical health in your treatment plans. We want to teach you the best ways to maintain your health and stay ahead of your symptoms.

There are multiple ways to improve your physical health in addition to working out or staying fit. Evidence shows that staying healthy will make it easier to deal with situations of stress and negative emotions. Being active and making healthy choices directly impact your mental health and can help you manage stress better. If you understand the connection between physical and mental health, you will be able to find the treatment and care that will best help you. 

Understanding Physical Health

Your physical health is anything that relates to your body. It is important to note how your physical health connects to your mental health. Many treatment plans for mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) include physical activity. Physical activity is anything that moves your body and uses your energy. Physical activity helps to manage the intensity of your mental health symptoms.

Sometimes when we struggle with mental health issues, our physical health can suffer. Staying healthy physically doesn't just mean being fit. Eating things that will fuel your body and give you energy will help you with mental struggles. Getting enough sleep will give you the mental fortitude to work through difficult times. All of this and more highlights why your treatment for mental health should include efforts that aim to improve your physical wellness. 

Finding a treatment program that offers many approaches to mental health and substance abuse care will give you the options that you need to stay healthy. West Coast Recovery Centers offers many treatment plans, including things such as adventure therapy, yoga, breath work, and more. These treatments encourage a focus on your mental health through physical activities and will teach you important ways to stay healthy.

Ways to Stay Healthy

There are multiple things to think about when trying to stay healthy. Moving your body isn't just for losing weight or staying in shape; it can also be helpful to your mental health. When you move your body, your body releases endorphins, which lower stress and improve your mood. Physical activity can help lower stress levels and distract your mind from distressing symptoms. While working out is one form of physical activity that can help, taking walks, practicing yoga, and engaging in low-impact movement can also help.  

Besides physical activity and moving your body, there are other ways to maintain your physical health.  Eating healthier will fuel your body with the right type of energy to keep you alert and happy. Making sure that you are consuming things that are good for you will keep your body feeling healthy and functioning. Eating healthier will also improve your gut health. Furthermore, your gut biome can affect your mood and your mental health if it is not taken care of.

Additionally, getting good sleep is also integral to working on your mental health. Your mind needs time to relax and work through the things you are doing in treatment. If your treatment requires you to deal with traumas or struggles that you may have experienced, sleep will help your brain process these things. When you are sleep-deprived, you will struggle with effectively managing your emotions and stressors. Getting sleep and staying physically healthy are integral to your mental health journey.

The Interconnectedness of Physical and Mental Health

Your body and your mind are connected, and both affect each other. If you are struggling physically, you will also struggle mentally. Getting healthy physically will help improve your mood and your struggles. Working out and moving your body, even if just taking a walk or doing yoga, releases endorphins. These hormones improve your mood and lower your stress level. Staying physically healthy can help you manage stress better in your body, and in turn, help you recover your mental health. 

Issues in your physical health can also impact your mental health. If you are struggling with stomach issues and gut issues, it can impact your brain and your emotional responses. When you experience mental health struggles, you may experience physical issues. People who struggle with their mental health may be less inclined to take care of themselves when they are struggling. This is why it is important to manage both your physical and mental health when you are getting into recovery. 

Getting treatment for mental health struggles shouldn't just include therapy and medication. Many times, people who struggle with mental health issues may also experience issues with their physical health. When you get treatment, you should include physical activity and a focus on your physical health. When you eat healthily, get enough sleep, and move your body, you will see great improvements in your mental health. Your body and your mind are connected, so it is important to treat both when trying to get healthy and gain control back over your life. If you are interested in learning more about how physical health and mental health are connected, we can help. Call West Coast Recovery Centers today at (760) 492-6509.