Can your physical habits affect your mental health?
People generally come to therapy because of mental or relational distress. But interestingly, since the body and mind are so intricately connected, sometimes a first route for healing is through the physical realm in order to improve mental or relational distress. Consider how some of these physical elements may affect your moods and relationships.
Exercise
Exercise has strong correlations with overall wellbeing as well as mental health (Benefits of Exercise, 2021). Exercise can also reduce mental illness. Studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can be as effective as an anti-depressant medication (Netz, 2019). One of the challenges with this, however, is that when you are depressed, it can be hard to make yourself exercise. Nevertheless, hope is possible. If regular exercise is not a part of your lifestyle, make a plan to begin somewhere: a gym membership, an exercise partner, home classes online or even increased walking. If you are really stuck, come for a few counseling sessions to have someone help you discover your roadblocks and coach you through getting started.
Sleep
Lack of sleep is both a symptom of mental health struggles, such as stress or anxiety, as well as a cause of mental health struggles. Sleeping more than 9 hours a day can trigger depression in certain people, and less than 7 can contribute to mania in others (6 Habits to Improve Mental Health, 2019). Prolonged sleep deprivation can increase negative moods such as anger, frustration, irritability and sadness (Department of Health & Human Services, 2017). Sleep is also essential for learning. If you have trouble sleeping, don’t ignore it. Talk to your doctor and seek professional help for a cure.
Routines
If we turn healthy choices for our bodies into habits, such as positive sleep routines; morning rituals of stretching, time with God, yoga or organization for the day; good food choices and hydration; and regular exercise, then our mental health will be much more stable. If we are battling in these arenas with irregular negative choices, then we have to spend mental energy on the battles, leaving little extra energy for positive growth or relationships. Changing one small habit at a time can build choices into habits and habits into routines.Then, the auto-pilot of a healthy routine frees us to focus on greater things. Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness (Borenstein, M.D., 2020).
It’s the ability to enjoy life, be resilient, connect with others and live a meaningful life. All of this connects with healthy routines.
What one small habit of your body could you change to help you live better? For one client, this small first habit was waking at the same time every day and starting the day with a short Bible reading and prayer. As he put it, “I started reading the Bible at home before going to work, and discovered that it reduced my usual anxiety throughout the day.”
Our bodies are where issues of our hearts and minds get played out. Try using your body to help you think and feel your best. Offer your body to God (Romans 12:1) and watch Him help guide you to health!
