Most people know the feelings of energy and the positivity that come after a good workout. On the flip-side, you might relate to how difficult it can be to get yourself moving when you’re not feeling your best mentally. You may have experienced one of these feelings before - maybe both. You might be wondering if there’s a connection between physical and mental health? Both have the potential to bring you into a state of physical, mental, and social well-being, or the opposite.

How can mental health affect physical health?

Our mental health can have a direct or indirect impact on our bodies. Chronic physical conditions can occur because of poor mental health and mental illnesses. Sleep patterns can be affected and hormonal imbalances can take place. Poor mental health can even lead to lifestyle changes that affect your physical health. Those with depression actually have an increased risk of stroke, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, pain, and Alzheimer's disease. Even stress can affect us physically. Higher levels of stress can cause headaches, fatigue, and muscle tension.

Mental health affects us directly but how can mental health affect physical health indirectly? Experts suggest that your lifestyle choices and even social habits might change when you have poor mental health. This could result in more exposure to bad habits such as smoking and drinking, along with other risky behavior. This behavior can lead to an increased risk for poor physical health.

How physical health can affect mental health

A “runner's high” is a term often used to explain the feeling people get after a run, but this same feeling is experienced during or after other physical activities. While there are obvious reasons for improved mental well-being from exercising like an increase in self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment. Experts suggest exercise can help with the release of feel-good brain chemicals. These brain chemicals include endorphins, dopamine, and endocannabinoids.

Other than the actual act of physical activity, how can physical health itself impact our mental well-being? When our body is in a constant state of pain or limited movement due to injury or health complications it can take a toll on our mental health. The reason for this is that it creates friction in everyday activities. This friction could prevent you from throwing around a baseball, or even going for a walk on a summer evening. This can make people feel helpless and defeated.

This is when things like physical therapy could help. Generally, you don't think of physical therapy and mental health being connected in any way. However, when people experience constant pain, discomfort, or injury - physical therapy might help. It could provide the benefit of easing your pain and making your everyday life easier and more enjoyable. Allowing you to enjoy activities that bring you joy such as walking, shooting hoops, or even socializing with friends and loved ones.

What you can do to better your physical and mental health

Other than the connection between mental health and physical therapy, there are other ways you can improve your mental and physical health. Some of which include:

• Exercising
• Meditation
• Breathing exercises
• Spending time on your hobbies

These are all healthy ways you can decrease stress and improve your well-being. If you struggle with relaxation and meditation - BetterSleep can guide you through it with a variety of exercises you can choose from. Whether you’re looking to decrease stress or calm your mind before going to sleep, BetterSleep has you covered!