"There is always hope, even when your brain tells you there isn't" (John Green). Individuals' emotional, physiological, and social well-being are referred to as their mental health. The relationship involves how people think, feel, and behave, including their ability to deal with stress, relate to others, and make decisions. The importance of mental health may be overlooked by society at times, but it is critical at all stages of life, from childhood and adolescence to adulthood. Moreover, mental and physical health are equally important components of our overall health and should be prioritized (“About Mental Health”).
(Fig. 1. A picture of health differences, "Mental Health Issues.")
Its significance works on the inner side of the body of individuals. Without taking care of our own bodies, both physically and mentally, we increase our risk of many diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Stress can be thought of as a traffic jam passed down through the family. Depending on the level of diabetes, it could pose a serious health risk. If people are frequently stressed and do not take care of their bodies, their blood sugar levels may suffer as well, increase the stress hormones cause blood sugar to rise. As previously stated, one aspect of mental health is how our minds and bodies react to stress. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals with diabetes are approximately 20% more likely than those without diabetes to experience anxiety throughout their lives (“Diabetes and Mental Health”).
Although some people use medication to treat issues such as diabetes, studies show that physical exercise can also help. Being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin, which allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy. It aids in the management of diabetes, the control of blood sugar levels, and the prevention of heart disease and nerve damage. Physical activities such as walking, and cycling can help. Walking reduces abdominal fat in individuals, lowering the risk of diabetes. Excess fat in our abdomens causes inflammation in cells, making them more resistant to insulin (“Mental Health”).
Aside from diabetes, illnesses such as stroke are linked to mental health. First, consider the emotional impact of a stroke. For many people, having stoke can be a traumatic experience. Those who have had a stroke are more likely to experience a wide range of emotions such as fear, anxiety, depression, frustration, and even grief. Those emotions have a significant impact on mental health. Second, depression and anxiety can endanger those who suffer from stoke. The brain damage caused by stroke can directly affect the area around the brain that regulates mood and contribute to sadness and hopelessness.Every day, social interaction is critical. We need social skills to communicate with one another, play with one another, and work with one another. Those who have had a stroke may face difficulties such as communication difficulties or cognitive impairments. Physical exercise is essential for lowering the risk of stroke (“Physical Activities in the Prevention of Stoke”).
According to research, 30 minutes of moderate exercise reduces the risk of stroke. This is due to the fact that it helps lower high blood pressure and slows the clogging of your arteries. Exercise allows our blood to properly regulate through the nerve system. Some people may claim that they are emotionally and physically happy despite not excising. Although it may appear so for some people, the happiness without exercising is temporary, the long-term effect will increase happiness by lowering the risk of health problems as you get older (Meacham).
The link between exercise and mental health is intertwined. There are numerous exercises that aid and benefit mental health. When you exercise, the levels of chemicals in your brain, such as serotonin, fluctuate. It promotes better sleep and mood management. It actively during the day that contributes to physical fatigue, making it easier to fall asleep. Furthermore, physical activities can alleviate your discomfort by increasing oxygen flow. Exercise improves blood regulation and oxygen flow throughout the body, including the brain. It improves mood and sense of well-being by providing oxygen(“Exercise and Mental Health”).
Thus, mental health and exercise are linked. They collaborate to improve our own benefit. Engaging physical activity has a variety of positive effects, including improved mood, reduced stress, and improved overall psychological health. That being said, we should be satisfied or concerned not only with our physical appearance, but also with what is going on inside our bodies. Let us all help ourselves live better lives by exercising!
Citation:
(Cover Image Source: PureGyme)
“45 Inspirational Mental Health Quotes.” Good Housekeeping, 21 Mar. 2023, www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a39739060/mental-health-quotes/.
“About Mental Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25 Apr. 2023, www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/learn/index.htm#:~:text=Mental%20health%20includes%20our%20emotional,childhood%20and%20adolescence%20through%20adulthood.
“Diabetes and Mental Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 May 2023, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/mental-health.html#:~:text=Stress%20and%20Anxiety&text=Your%20blood%20sugar%20levels%20can,problems%20or%20make%20them%20worse.
“Exercise and Mental Health.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 18 Sept. 2015, www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health. Gallanagh, Siobhan, et al.
“Physical Activity in the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke.” ISRN Neurology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3263535/. Grey, Heather.
“The Best 10 Exercises If You Have Diabetes.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 13 Apr. 2022, www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/top-exercises. Mbs.tarakan.
“Mental Health Issues.” Muhammadiyah Boarding School (MBS) Tarakan, mbstarakan.sch.id/mental-health-issues/. Accessed 17 Aug. 2023.
“Mental Health.” World Health Organization, World Health Organization, www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response#:~:text=Mental%20health%20is%20a%20state,and%20contribute%20to%20their%20community. Accessed 17 Aug. 2023.
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