As a runner, you will want to remain in tip-top health throughout the year, which can support your physical performance. Even habits as simple as dental hygiene can contribute to your health and performance, which is why you should check out this dentist in woodbridge when you have the chance. Yet, your lifestyle choices can adversely impact your physical and mental health, which can stop you from reaching your fitness goals.
If you want to feel fit, strong, and motivated each day, learn how your lifestyle can affect your health and performance.
Physical Activity and Good Mental Health
You may have heard that good physical health can equal good mental health. However, you may not know that a clinical study found that regular aerobic exercise is as effective as antidepressants for decreasing mild to moderate depression symptoms.
Physical activity can change the brain’s structure in the same way as antidepressants, as it creates new neural pathways and hippocampus growth, with the latter often shrinking when people have depression.
Unhealthy Habits and Mental Health Disorders
Unhealthy habits can increase a person’s risk of developing a mental health disorder, such as depression or anxiety. For example, consuming too much food, sleep deprivation, and a lack of exercise can cause a low mood, fatigue, and a negative outlook on life.
While diet and exercise can help people overcome a mental health battle, a person may also need to seek professional help to move on from a condition. Also, it is important to be aware that mental health disorders don’t discriminate, as they can affect every gender and age.
For example, teenagers are more susceptible to mental health battles due to junk food consumption, bullying, peer pressure, and hormonal changes. As a result, young people could benefit from an outpatient depression treatment program from igniteteentreatment.com.
Social Activity and a Happier Mood
A healthy social life can result in improved mental health, which can filter through to your physical health. Various studies have found that friendships and social interaction can improve a person’s mood, lead to better mental health, and prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Even if you have a busy personal life, a demanding career, or various fitness goals, you must set time aside to connect with loved ones. As they can lift your mood, you will feel more loved and supported throughout your life, which could stop you from reaching for the cookie jar for comfort.
Sleep and General Health
Sleep deprivation can influence almost every aspect of your health. For example, it can lower your mood, increase your appetite, and lead to tiredness, irritability, and a lack of motivation. If you want to feel fighting fit and never skip a workout, you must ensure you enjoy between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night and stick to the same sleep-wake schedule. Don’t allow poor lifestyle choices to affect your physical performance, mood, or general health. Instead, you must care for your mental health, enjoy a good night’s sleep, follow a healthy diet, and make time to socialize with loved ones each week. You might be surprised by the difference these steps make to your physical and mental wellbeing.