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The Relationship Between Physical Health and Mental Health [How to Promote Better Physical and Mental Wellbeing]

May 19 | 2 mins

Science indicates there is a strong relationship between physical and mental health. Deteriorating physical health can affect mental health from a physiological standpoint as well as an emotional perspective. Conversely, declining mental health can have adverse effects on physical health if poor lifestyle decisions are made.

Stress and sleep deprivation are a couple of factors that negatively impact physical and mental health. Still, low wages or unemployment can also contribute to poor mental and physical health when people lack access to healthy foods or healthcare.

Maintaining good health is often easier than trying to restore wholeness, so here are a few simple ways to promote better physical and mental wellbeing.

Social Interactions

Research has shown social isolation and loneliness are associated with an increased risk for mortality because social interactions are a critical component of maintaining physical and mental health. There is a strong positive relationship between social interaction and mental health.

Sociologists say both the quantity and quality of social relationships affect a person’s mortality risk, mental health, physical health, and health behavior. The effects of social relationships on health outcomes begin in childhood and ripples throughout life, leading to a cumulative health advantage or disadvantage.

By creating and cultivating positive and meaningful relationships and social interactions, a person can lengthen their lifespan and generate better health outcomes.

Enjoying Nature

Exercise is a known contributor to better physical and mental health, but the noticeable decline in physical activity has led to severe health consequences over recent decades. Studies show physical activity combined with nature provides benefits for the body and the mind. Simply viewing nature through a window, book, television, or art delivers mental health benefits.

Being in nature while walking, cycling, reading, or spending time with friends is another way enjoying nature can promote wellbeing. Research shows that directly engaging with the great outdoors through gardening, farming, or hiking also benefits mental and physical health. The evidence suggests green spaces and nearby nature should be regarded as essential health resources.

Getting Proper Medical Care

Researchers say health itself is produced by using medical care and can be depleted or produced by lifestyle choices. When a person lacks access to medical care or lacks understanding of the importance of utilizing healthcare properly, it can lead to poor health outcomes that are sometimes avoidable.

Notably, primary care is designed to be the underpinning of good health in that it provides screenings and other preventive services. A primary care provider is supposed to be the first line of defense against deteriorating physical conditions.

Unfortunately, socioeconomic status has left some on the outskirts of good health due to low income, health food deserts, and unattainable health insurance premiums and deductibles. To that end, direct primary care (DPC) provides a low-cost, nationwide alternative to expensive health plans. With a monthly healthcare membership, members get access to unlimited primary care that could mean the difference between maintaining their physical and mental wellbeing or early mortality.

The Relationship Between Physical Health and Mental Health [How to Promote Better Physical and Mental Wellbeing]

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