The Mind-Body Connection – What you need to know to improve your mental health
Mental illness has long been narrowly framed as a disorder of the brain, and such treatment has been focusing on the brain in isolation from the body. This framework of mental health treatment might shed some light on the alarming incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) rates for people living with mental illness. Research has revealed that people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder, are 2–3 times more likely to develop CVD than the general population. Even anxiety disorders are linked to a 50% increased risk of hypertension and heart disease over time. Newer studies have shifted their focus to examining the profound connections between physical and mental wellbeing. Read below for a brief breakdown of how exercise can reduce the likelihood of mental illness, improve medication effectiveness and boost quality of life for people living with mental illness.
Mental health and physical wellbeing is a two-way street!
Recent studies are painting a more holistic picture of mental and physical wellbeing. Researchers have found that individuals with chronic physical conditions like diabetes or heart disease are significantly more likely to experience depression or anxiety. Conversely, poor mental health is linked to significantly higher risks of obesity, hypertension, and immune dysfunction. It is now evident that this relationship works both ways, but the relationship isn’t just about shared risks—it’s about shared solutions too.
Protecting the Brain with BDNF-generating Exercise
Exercise is no longer simply viewed as a tool to condition the body’s aerobic and muscular performance. Newer research has been closely investigating neurological factors induced by exercise. An example of this is the link discovered between aerobic training, resistance training and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF). This neuroprotein is critical for neural growth and plasticity (both these neural processes are dampened with conditions such as depression & anxiety). Studies have discovered a dosage dependant response between aerobic activity and increases in BDNF, meaning the more activity you complete the more BDNF you can generate. Such adaptations have shown that regular exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety as effectively as some medications!
Boosting Mental Clarity and Focus with physical activity
A closer look at cardiorespiratory fitness is also a simple means of improving mental clarity. Blood perfusion relates to the process of oxygen and nutrient rich blood being delivered around the body. The brain consumes a huge amount of oxygen and therefore requires a constant supply of blood flow from the heart. People living with cardiovascular conditions such as heart failure or even hypertension (1-3 adults live with hypertension) can compromise nourishment to key brain regions such as the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision making and emotional control) or the hippocampus (responsible for memory and emotional regulation). For individuals with mental or physical health challenges regular exercise can act as a reset button counteracting the impaired blood flow many people live with and result in people feeling mentally refreshed feeling exercise sessions.
Strengthening your Body and your Mind
To shift focus from the numerous benefits aerobic activity can have on someone’s mental clarity and neurological health outcomes, resistance training is also capable of inducing powerful benefits for the mind. Resistance training doesn’t have to just develop your muscles it’s also about building resilience! Resistance training has been linked to increased self-efficacy and stress resilience, helping break cycles of helplessness and reducing the severity of mental health episodes. High intensity resistance training has also been proven to significantly increase slow-wave sleep time (critical for mental and physical recovery). Poor sleep time and quality can exacerbate existing mental health conditions. Better sleep means a more balanced mood, sharper focus, and a stronger immune system.
Take a Step towards better mental health Today!
Your journey toward improved mental and physical health starts with movement. Whether you’re new to exercise or looking to hone your routine, our programs are designed to support you every step of the way. Discover how regular activity can unlock a healthier, happier you—because your mind and your body deserve it.
This article was written by Mark Charalambous. Mark heads up our specialised Mental Health offerings from our clinic in South Yarra. Contact us at admin@theepgroup.com.au or on 03 90295590 to find out more about how we can help you.
Click HERE to book a session with Mark today
If you or someone you know is suffering from an exacerbation of mental health symptoms, please contact support agencies such as Beyond Blue or Lifeline
