The Practical Link Between Physical And Mental Wellness

As easy as it might be in theory to ‘think positively’, those suffering from depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues can find this to be one of the most difficult things to do in practice. While positive reframing, mindfulness, and meditation are all helpful, focussing solely on mental and emotional aspects may not always result in desired outcomes.

Rather, oftentimes a far more practical way of improving one’s mental wellbeing is to focus on completing physical, doable tasks. Science shows that doing an action actually results in feeling motivated to repeat the action – not the other way around. In other words, starting an exercise routine not only motivates one to finish it but to be more willing to undertake exercising again in the future.

For those in a mental health slump, choosing a simple task like washing even just a single plate can help. Chances are, by taking up that single simple action, one will ultimately end up cleaning the whole kitchen. Indeed, simple daily activities like making the bed or going for a brief walk can significantly improve one’s mood. Setting and sticking to established morning and evening routines that exclude screentime and include relaxation techniques like deep breathing and stretching can also result in improved mental health outcomes. That’s because there’s a direct link between physical and mental health, with one feeding into the other.

Aside from embarking on simple physical activities, attending regular talk therapy sessions with a trained professional can prove beneficial. Many psychologists, like those practising at Psychology Care, employ cognitive behavioural therapy as a way to integrate and promote physical and mental wellness. Instead of trying to ‘force’ positive thinking, it is possible to, over time, reprogramme the brain to better cope with stress and manage an array of mental health issues through physical action.

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