Imagine you have a car that has a shiny body but with an engine that struggles to start or a car with a powerful engine but the tires are ready to wear off. Would either work? The same goes for your body and mind.
Physical fitness makes our body stay active whereas mental fitness is what makes our mind fit and sharp. Just like hitting the gym or going for a jog can help build a fit body, looking after your mind helps build resilience and clarity for a better mental health. And the thing is these two are not rivals but teammates, the perfect team for you to lead a better, happier life. But what happens when you start focusing on one and neglecting the other?
Let us see why balancing both is essential to live a better life.
The Power of Physical Fitness
A study by Cureus (2023) has shown that those who exercise regularly have better self-esteem and a greater sense of social connectedness, which also contributes to improved mental health outcomes (2023).
When talking about keeping fit, people tend to think of athletes, runners, etc. And it is not surprising that a firm, healthy body can help us live happier and longer lives. Regular exercise strengthens your muscles, uplifts cardiovascular health and also boosts flexibility. But this isn’t the only advantage you get out of putting your aging body through these grueling workouts.
The “feel good” hormone endorphin released through exercise can help lighten mood and relieve pressure (Mayo Clinic, 2023). Ever heard of the “runner’s high”? Well that is often your body saying thank you for getting into motion. Regular exercise helps improve the quality of your sleep, raises energy levels and sharpens up our thinking. To summarize, physical fitness is like a foundation, it gives you the power to fight whatever life throws at you.
The Underrated Role of Mental Fitness
People find it easy to see the results of physical fitness, but they often feel that one doesn’t get so much out of mental fitness. Mental fitness is often about developing a robust and resilient mind that can face the ups and downs of life. It’s the capability to handle pressure, keep a clear head and carry on looking toward a bright future. Statistics indicate that in today’s society, mental health problems have reached very high levels. In 2021, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) data showed that around 57.8% of American adults ages 18 and older – roughly 22.8%–had some form of mental illness. These staggering prevalence rates underscore the need for promoting mental wellness as a preventive strategy for these disorders.
By doing activities like mindfulness exercises, meditation, journaling and even therapy can help to train one’s mind. Lifting weights makes muscles, while practicing gratitude and deep breathing make mental toughness. Not only can mental fitness get you through tough times, but it brings joy and help make stress less suffocating.
How They Work Together
The mental aspect of fitness is intimately tied to the physical aspect, the relationship between the two is reciprocal and synergistic. A strong body supports a strong mind and a strong mind supports a strong body. A research by Cureus showed that consistent physical activity can lead to significant reductions of symptoms of anxiety and depression by as much as 50% in physically active populations. On the other hand, poor mental fitness can cause hindrance in physical performance, which can lead to poor health and can be prone to chronic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.
Failure in one can affect the other. A lack of movement can lead to mental fog and fatigue and chronic stress or unresolved mental health issues may show up as physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension or even heart problems. Just as it was mentioned above, they are not rivals but teammates, the goal is having synergy and not competition.Finding your Balance
A study by Better health (2015) suggests that engaging in both practices not only enhances physical health but also fosters better mental clarity and emotional regulation.
Let us look at some tips to help you strike the right balance between physical and mental fitness.
Start Small: Set small goals like a 10-minute walk, or 5 minutes of meditation.
Mix It Up: Do activities that serve both, like yoga, which builds your body and helps calm your mind.
Listen to Your Body and Mind: Listen to what you need. Some days, perhaps a workout is in order; other days, a mental health break.
Be Consistent: Both physical and mental fitness is a long-haul commitment. Small compound actions over time make incredible results.
Ask for Help: Find a gym-buddy or a therapist who will hold you accountable,don’t be afraid to lean on others for motivation and direction.
Key Takeaway
The bottom line is balancing mental fitness with physical fitness is crucial for our well-being and quality of life in general. Understanding the inseparability of mental well-being and physical fitness highlights the significance of integrating both to foster resilience, emotional strength and physical fitness. These strategies can help individuals combine their mental and physical lifestyle to achieve a better overall health. Our constantly evolving world demands this balance, when we prioritize it, we empower ourselves in facing the challenges life throws at us which will lead to greater health and well-being.
References
- Mayo Clinic. Depression and anxiety: Exercise eases symptoms. Mayo Clinic. Published December 23, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
- Mahindru A, Patil P, Agrawal V. Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: a Review. Cureus. 2023;15(1). https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.33475
- Better Health Channel. Exercise and mental health. Better Health Channel. Published December 20, 2021.
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/exercise-and-mental-health
- uclahealth. The Link Between Exercise and Mental Health. www.uclahealth.org. Published October 17, 2018. https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/the-link-between-exercise-and-mental-health
- Mental Health Foundation. Physical activity and mental health. www.mentalhealth.org.uk. Published 2021. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-activity-and-mental-health
