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Lifestyle Mental Health

Lifestyle mental health refers to the impact of various lifestyle factors on one’s mental well-being. These factors can include diet, exercise, sleep patterns, stress management, social connections, and substance use. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can contribute to better mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting overall well-being. Conversely, unhealthy lifestyle choices such as poor nutrition, sedentary behavior, substance abuse, and social isolation can increase the risk of mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.

Please review the below resources for more information:

Lifestyle interventions for mental healthA healthy lifestyleLifestyle and Mental Health

Mind-Body Integration

Think about the familiar phrase, “mind over matter,” which suggests that our minds have the ability to accomplish nearly anything if we exert sufficient willpower. This notion often results in disregarding the cues our bodies send us. For instance, during a run, when our body indicates fatigue, we may persist regardless, risking injury that ultimately hinders us from achieving our running goals, rather than acknowledging the need for rest.

Please review the below resources for more information:

What is brain and body integration?How Mind-Body Practice WorksThe BERN Framework of Mind-Body Medicine

Psychoneuroimmunology

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a discipline that has evolved in the last 40 years to study the relationship between immunity, the endocrine system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems. In this manner, neurotransmitters, hormones, and neuropeptides have been found to regulate immune cells, and these in turn are capable of communicating with nervous tissue through the secretion of a wide variety of cytokines.

Please review the below resources for more information:

What is Psychoneuroimmunology?Connection Between Your Brain and Your Immune SystemA new take on psychoneuroimmunology

Stress & Sleep

Sleep is a necessary human function — it allows our brains to recharge and our bodies to rest. When we do not sleep long or well enough, our bodies do not get the full benefits of sleep, such as muscle repair and memory consolidation. Sleep is so crucial that even slight sleep deprivation or poor sleep can affect memory, judgment and mood.

Please review the below resources for more information:

Stress and SleepHow to tell if stress is affecting your sleepHow Sleep Reduces Stress