When it comes to our physical health, certain factors are no-brainers. Maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding cigarettes and excessive alcohol are all applauded as health-promoting habits.
But did you know about the lesser-known, more surprising impactors? These are things you perhaps didn’t know could affect your physicality.
So, what are these surprising elements that can dramatically impact our health?
Stay with us as we discuss some of these in detail.
Surprising Physical Health Impactor # 1: Our Daily Thoughts and Outlook on Life
Negativity. It can impact our physical health more than we think. Indeed, our daily thoughts, how we talk to ourselves, and the way we look at the world can dramatically impact the quality of our mental and emotional health. But can this factor affect our physical health, too? Yes, it’s true.
If you haven’t yet heard of the mind-body connection, let me enlighten you. This concept highlights that what’s going on in our brains can determine how we feel physically. How?
When we’re feeling mentally unwell, our physical health can suffer. The link between depression and our physical health, in particular, has been well-documented. When we’re feeling depressed, it can affect our sleep, our energy levels, and also, our body’s ability to function healthily and optimally.
Does any of this sound familiar? Do you need support? A licensed therapist who has completed an online counseling psychology masters, for instance, can help you develop strategies to help manage depressive symptoms and cultivate a better quality of health, and life.
Surprising Physical Health Impactor # 2: Our Levels of Stress and Burnout
Emotional stress can also have a major influence on how we feel physically. In what ways? When we’re stressed – or worse, burnt out – this takes a toll on our physical health. Examples of stress symptoms manifesting physically? These can include experiencing severe insomnia, a lack of appetite, or conversely, increased hunger, exhaustion, and even physical weakness.
Worse? Studies have found that stress can impair the body’s ability to ward off disease. How? Blame it on the stress hormone. By weakening our immune system’s ability to fight diseased cells, excessive cortisol can cause an increased risk of developing diseases such as lupus, IBS, and psoriasis. High levels of severe stress can also cause cardiovascular and respiratory issues, as well as heart disease and organ failure.
If you’re experiencing extreme stress, consider delving into relaxation methods. The best kinds? Some stressed-out souls swear by breathwork, yoga classes, and guided meditation – either in person or via a meditation app – to soothe their inner turmoil.
Surprising Physical Health Impactor # 3: Our External Appearance and Presentation
Can our external appearance impact our physical well-being? In some ways, yes. The way we present outwardly can affect our self-esteem, confidence, and sense of self-worth. This in turn can be linked to our mental health, which as we know, is an impactor in terms of our physical well-being.
The good news? We can take active steps to improve our confidence and self-esteem by cultivating a well-presented appearance. By focusing on grooming and personal hygiene, we can feel like our best selves physically. A well-groomed external appearance can help us feel more put together, and more in control, put a spring in our step, and even increase our energy levels.
So, get that hair appointment booked in. Schedule regular manicures. Make sure your clothes are clean and ironed. And just as importantly, choose to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle by making nutritious food choices and exercising regularly.
Yes, our physical health is, in many ways, affected by our lifestyle choices. The foods we choose to consume and nourish our bodies with, whether we smoke and drink, and how regularly we exercise, all have a massive impact on how we feel physically.
But as discussed today, our physical health can also be affected by our mental condition. Stressed, burnt out, or depressed – our state of mind can have a dramatic influence on our physical well-being. It can even cause us to fall ill if we don’t maintain it.
So, be sure to care for your mental health. It’s essential if you want to feel at your physical best.