It is the Link Between Physical and Mental Health

here is a direct connection between your body and your mind, but when you consider the relationship between your mental and physical health, this connection is often misinterpreted as two separate entities, but in reality, they are just as connected with each other. In fact, it is according to the World Health Organization defines "health" as a state that is characterized by total physical, mental, and social well-being. They also state that "there is no health without mental health".

Connecting the body and mind

It is much more widespread than most of us believe or are aware of. One in five people suffers from mental health issues. It encompasses a range of disorders that alter a person's mood, mental state, and behavior.

So what's the relationship between your physical and mental health?



Mental health issues can have an adverse effect on your ability to make choices and increase the chance of developing chronic illness. Also, it can decrease your lifespan by between 10 and 20 years. The mind controls our beliefs, thoughts and feelings; therefore, various mental states can affect our lives either positively or negatively. They can trigger physical symptoms, for instance, the feeling of butterflies around your abdomen when you're anxious. But, more than that, our body-mind connection can affect our health and increases the danger of unhealthy physical and mental health. For instance, the feeling of anxiety triggers our stress hormones to rise, which can affect our immune system's function. Additionally, long-term stress could increase the chance of suffering from physical ailments and mental health issues.

A study conducted at Kings College London in 2017 found that those who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression and bipolar disorder were at a higher risk of developing heart disease. The study was the most extensive, where 3.2 million patients were studied across multiple countries. Results indicated that people suffering from mental illnesses are 53% more at risk of developing cardiovascular disease and their chance of dying due to the condition was 85% higher than the risk with a similar age in people of all ages.

Physical health issues could increase the risk of poor mental well-being (and vice reverse). Regular exercise, especially after a long day, will boost the "feel-good" chemicals within the body. This improves your mood. It also helps keep your mind off stress, all of which contribute to improved overall health and well-being.

Depression as well as Heart Disease

Heart disease and depression have a lot in common, and depression has been found to increase the risk of other illnesses as well. Depression is associated with an inability to focus and motivation that can make daily routines like regular exercise, healthy eating habits, and adherence to a prescribed regimen a struggle that could cause heart problems. A study from 2009 looking at patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease discovered that 22% of patients were suffering from mild depression. 17% of patients diagnosed with depression and were taking antidepressants.

Tips to improve your physical and mental health

There's good news: with a few tiny changes in your daily routine, you can boost the health of your body and mind all at once.

• Exercising
• Resting comfortably
• Well-balanced eating
• Socializing