The Strong Connection Between Mental and Physical Health

What does a healthy person look like? If you asked a group of people that, odds are they’d say someone who is young, physically fit, and maybe even has beautiful skin. And while we’re certainly not denying that’s true, what about someone who is happy or laughing?

All too often, we think of health as just physical, but mental health is just as important for your overall health and wellness. But in the words of the World Health Organization, “there is no health without mental health.”

The Link Between Happiness and Physical Health

Though they’re often spoken about as separate entities, mental and physical health are more closely associated than many think. In fact, people who report higher levels of happiness and joy with their lives tend to have:

• Stronger immune systems.
• Lower reported levels of stress and anxiety.
• Fewer aches and pains.
• Longer lives.

How to Boost Your Mental Health

Just like a muscle in your body, your mental health can be strengthened. Taking just a few minutes a day to focus on your health can make world of difference. Starting today, improve your mental health by:

• Surrounding yourself with happy people. Attitudes are contagious. If you want to be happier, spend time with people who are genuinely happy and who make you happy.
• Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Stress is a normal part of life, so the goal isn’t to make stress disappear completely, but to conquer it in a healthy way. Yoga, meditation, and reading are all great ways to combat stress.
• Stay active. Just like mental health affects your physical health, the opposite is also true. People who workout regularly are less likely to experience depression and anxiety. It’s also a wonderfully healthy way to deal with stress.
• Set achievable goals. All too often, people set goals that are unrealistic given the time are resources they have. Then when they don’t meet them, people get discouraged. Instead, set smaller goals more frequently that you can achieve.
• Avoid alcohol. In addition to being terrible for your sinus and exacerbating asthma problems, alcohol is a depressant that can severely affect your mental health.

Florida Ear Nose Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery Center, located in Orlando, FL, is an otolaryngology and facial plastics practice committed to providing our patients with the highest quality and personal care, as well as most advanced technology by a Harvard trained, double boarded facial plastic and head and neck surgeon.