As the New Year approaches, it is normal that you are thinking about making resolutions and setting goals for the coming year. We all have goals, don’t we? Physical health goals, such as losing weight or exercising more regularly, are often at the forefront of people's minds, however, does mental and emotional health hold such priority?
According to the Mental health organization “Nearly one in three people with a long-term physical health condition also has a mental health problem, most often depression or anxiety.” It's important to know that mental and emotional health plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being. When our mental and emotional health is not in good shape, it can harm our physical health and make it more difficult to focus on our physical health goals.
Let’s discuss the connection and how Holistic health is so important regarding these.
One way that mental and emotional health can impact physical health is through the mind-body connection.
Our thoughts and emotions can affect the functioning of our bodies and vice versa. For example, stress and anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and muscle tension. On the other hand, physical symptoms can also contribute to mental and emotional health issues, such as depression or low self-esteem.
To be more specific, Mental health problems are closely related to people suffering from sleep problems. Insomnia and Sleep apnea are so common around and reports from WebMD states that around 50%-80% of those having issues with their Mental health are going to have sleeping problems.
Moving on, Depression is another common illness around, which is a mental illness that affects emotions. Several physical health problems have been studied to be caused by Depression. Physical health problems such as Alcohol or drug misuse, heart issues, asthma, cardiovascular problems, pains, etc.
To improve our physical health, it's important to address both the mental and emotional aspects of our well-being. This is where holistic health comes in. Holistic health is an approach to health and wellness that focuses on the whole person, including the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of well-being. It recognizes that these different aspects of health are interconnected and that taking care of all of them is important for overall health and well-being.
One key aspect of holistic health is self-care. Self-care involves taking the time to care for ourselves and our well-being, both physically and mentally. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation. It's also important to get enough sleep, as sleep plays a crucial role in mental and emotional well-being.
Another important aspect of holistic health is having a support system. This can include friends, family, and professionals such as therapists or counselors. It's important to reach out for support when needed and to be open and honest about our feelings and struggles. A strong support system can provide a sense of belonging, help us feel less isolated, and provide a source of encouragement and motivation.
Effective communication is also an important part of holistic health. This includes the ability to express our thoughts and feelings healthily, as well as being able to listen actively to others. It's important to practice good communication skills in all of our relationships, including with romantic partners, friends, and family members. Communication helps to build trust and understanding and can improve relationships and overall well-being.
Managing stress is another important aspect of holistic health. Chronic stress can harm both mental and physical health. It's important to find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through exercise, meditation, or other stress-reducing activities. It's also helpful to identify the sources of stress in our lives and to find ways to minimize or eliminate them where possible.
Emotional intelligence is another important factor in holistic health. Emotional intelligence is the ability to identify and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It involves being aware of our own emotions and how they affect our thoughts and behaviors, as well as being able to regulate our emotions in healthy ways. Developing emotional intelligence can help us to better understand and manage our own emotions and the emotions of others, which can improve our relationships and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Focusing on your physical health is so important for the new year. Your Mental and Emotional health goes a long way toward ensuring you meet all your physical health goals. With a Holistic Health approach, you can be sure of having an amazing year regarding your health.
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