Physical Health Key to Mental Health
6/6/2018
So much of what we do physically impacts us mentally – it’s important to pay attention to both your physical health and your mental health, which can help you achieve overall wellness and set you on a path to a healthy life.
Merit Health is raising awareness about the connection between physical health and mental health. Eating healthy foods, managing stress, exercising and getting enough sleep can go a long way in making you healthy all around.
“A healthy lifestyle can help to prevent the onset or worsening of mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other chronic health problems,” internal medicine physician Dr. Kristen Crawford said. “It can also play a big role in helping people recover from these conditions.”
Getting the appropriate amount of exercise can help control weight, improve mental health and help you live longer and healthier. Recent research is also connecting your nutrition with your mental health. Sleep also plays a critical role in all aspects of our life and overall health. Getting a good night's sleep is important to having enough physical and mental energy to take on daily responsibilities. And we all know that stress can have a huge impact on all aspects of our health, so it’s important to take time to focus on stress-reducing activities like meditation or yoga.
“Living a healthy lifestyle may not be easy, but focusing on overall health every day – both physically and mentally – can go a long way,” Dr. Crawford said.
Before beginning your fitness journey for overall physical and mental health, it is best to seek the advice of a physician.
Visit mymeritdoctor.com to be connected with one of Merit Health’s experienced providers.
To book an appointment with Dr. Crawford, please call (601) 605-2085. Walk-in and same day appointments are often available.
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