EFFECT OF LIFESTYLE ON MENTAL HEALTH
Much has been written about the effect lifestyle has on physical health. But few people know that even mental health benefits from harnessing a healthy lifestyle. In this article, we will look at 4 most important aspect of one’s lifestyle that can benefit mental health.
- SLEEP
This vital part of our everyday life is unfortunately also the most disturbed one. Thanks to hectic lifestyle and increasing use of screens, adolescents and adults are sleeping later and remaining sleep deprived. Sleep has restorative functions for the brain. Even a single nights disturbed sleep is enough to make us feel dull or irritable the next day. We might find it difficult to concentrate, remember things or feel low on energy. Sleep is vital for students and working professionals as it regulates memory. It plays an important role in enhancing motor functions and fine motor coordination. Sleep requirements change with age. An average adult needs at least 7 – 8 hours of uninterrupted night sleep and daytime naps are not essential.
- EXERCISE
Physical benefits of exercise are very well known. When we do moderate intensity exercise for 4-5 days a week, it releases endorphins or ‘happy chemicals’ in our brain. These help bring down baseline stress levels, give our mood a boost and make us feel calmer. Cognitively, they help us concentrate better and sharpen our recall. The increase in physical stamina also helps us work more efficiently and longer, thereby reducing stress levels. And of course, when we look fit we also feel good about ourselves and feel more confident.
- SOCIALISATION
In today’s world, where most of the socialisation has moved online, there are very few meaningful relationships in the real world. When I say socialisation, I refer to investing time in enriching relationships which add value to life. Spending time with people who are like minded, from whom we learn positive things or those who make us feel good about ourself, does wonders for our mental health. It lends us an emotional safety net, a vent for our negative emotions and also offers a sense of belongingness or kinship. Loneliness is one of the biggest problems that plagues the elderly and also, an increasing number of adolescents. Cultivating a rewarding social circle has long term psychological benefits.
- SUBSTANCE USE
With a cultural shift, we are seeing a definite increase in the number of people indulging in substance use along with increased variety of substances used, earlier age of starting consumption and permeation of this phenomenon across different socio-economic strata. Substances, be it as commonplace as tobacco , have definite detrimental effect on one’s mental health. It could lead to dulling of cognition, heightened anxiety, psychological dependence and ultimately physical dependence as well. It is better to steer clear of any substance use.
Apart from the above there are several things like practicing meditation regularly, consuming a nutritionally balanced meal, investing time in developing hobbies etc that are rewarding lifestyle changes.
