• What can I do to improve mental/physical health?
[3 tips for each]
• Conclusion: Consultation with Dr. Fieve
When considering bodily health, it is imperative to consider both mental and physical health, as one cannot be whole without the other. There have always been anecdotal evidence and old wives’ tales around the connection of the body and the mind, and there have also been hundreds of studies over the years that have proven the interconnectivity of physical and mental health.
There is constant evidence of the effect that physical and mental health have on each other. One such example is working out to relieve mental stress, another is stress-induced physical ailments, such as heart problems or acid reflux. Some of the recent studies around this connection have clearly distinguished the links between the mind and the body’s health. For example, in this study conducted by the Bangor University, a clear correlation was established between mentally fatiguing tasks and physical exhaustion. In another, poor anger management was shown to increase the risk for future heart problems by a huge factor of ten times the risk of those without anger problems. Children are also particularly affected by mental health. Child abuse has been shown to cause alterations within the brain, especially at an early age, and children with anxiety problems have had a lessening of their anxiety symptoms by treating their balance problems.
There are many ways to improve both physical and mental health, but many people make the mistake of focusing on one without considering the other. To attain true well being, it is important to consider a well rounded approach.
To improve mental health, try the following:
There are also many ways to improve physical health, including:
If you would like to discuss further ways of improving your mental health, please contact the NYC Prieve Depression center for a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners.