Combining the Two for Physical and Mental Health

When you are suffering from a mental health disorder, the world can feel like a very lonely place, but with an estimated 450 million sufferers worldwide, you are most definitely not alone in your fight against anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.

According to the Mental Health Foundation, 1 in 4 British adults will experience at least one mental health condition in any one year, with anxiety and depression being the most widespread forms of mental health illness in the UK. But sadly, due to the ‘stigma’ surrounding mental health issues, many people never seek treatment or medical advice for their condition.

Those patients who do seek medical help are often prescribed psychiatric medications such as antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-anxiety pills or mood blockers, but as with all prescription medicines, these should be taken in moderation, and not seen as a long-term solution to mental health disorders.

Fortunately, there are ‘natural’ alternatives available for those who would like to tackle their mental health issues without the use of drugs, and by combining exercise and physical activity with psychotherapy, it is possible to enjoy better mental health, get back to work, and start living a ‘normal’ life free from depression, anxiety and stress.

Dr Anderson from has highlighted below how a small amount of exercise with a good healthy diet can help combat health Issues.

Exercise Your Way to Better Mental Health

When talking about the human body, we often separate the body and mind as if they are 2 completely different fragments of our being, but the truth is, if they are not integrated and working in complete harmony, neither the body nor the mind work properly.

Medical studies show that regular exercise, such as running, swimming, walking and cycling can greatly reduce anxiety and depression, which is why many doctors in the UK prescribe exercise along with mild over-the-counter pain relief such as Co-Codamol to treat a range of mental health conditions.

When it comes to exercise, the physical, psychological, emotional and mental benefits are endless. Exercise encourages the body to release those feel-good chemicals called endorphins, it improves blood flow to the brain, and it can help distract from negative thoughts that often accompany mental health conditions. It can also help you sleep, relieve stress, improve energy levels, reduce tiredness, and increase mental alertness.  An essential oil diffuser can also help.

Just 10 minutes of exercise per day can influence the state of our mental and physical well-being – proof that it is possible to exercise you way to better mental health.

Diet and Mental Health

We’ve all heard of the term ‘Brain Food’, but new evidence suggests that our mental health could be influenced by our diet and the types of food we eat. Studies found that those eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables and organic foods are less likely to suffer from mental health conditions than those who eat unhealthy foods such as chips, ready meals and takeaways.

A healthy diet can aid recovery when combined with treatments prescribed by a doctor, such as psychotherapy, so ask your GP for a recommendation.

Working towards Mental Health

When you are suffering from depression or anxiety, the last thing you feel like is heading to work, but there is a positive link between employment and mental health, and research shows that people who work full time are less likely to experience mental health conditions than those who are unemployed.

It’s your body and your mind, so put them both to work, and enjoy a life free from mental health issues.


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