In today’s fast-paced, technological world, a growing number of people are dealing with mental health issues of some sort or another. India is no exception — with depression levels averaging 36%, it’s the most depressed country in the world, according to the World Health Organization. While there are numerous causal factors of poor mental health, inactivity and personal spiritual neglect are two big ones. Indeed, as ancient cultures knew, mind, body, and spirit are all connected, and each aspect should be adequately taken care of in order to create a healthy, happy whole. As such, regular exercise and spiritual practice are crucial for good mental health and well-being.

Healthy body = healthy mind

If you’re feeling down, stressed, or anxious, working out or walking in nature will clear your mind and help you feel better. This is because exercise releases endorphins in the brain. Endorphins are feel-good chemicals, like dopamine and serotonin, which cause positive feelings. After a good workout, you tend to feel refreshed and revitalized — which improves your mood, motivation, and well-being throughout the day.

Research into exercise and mental health shows the positive benefits of working out go even further. Regular exercise has, in fact, been found to prevent many cases of future depression, according to a study in the American Journal of Psychiatry. It concludes that 12% of depression cases could be prevented if everyone did just one hour of exercise a week. Even just making the effort to walk more is a great way to start and build up from there.

Nurture your spiritual side

Although exercise is important, it often overshadows the importance of spirituality in people’s’ views of health and wellness. In one recent study, mental health patients with a belief in God had a more positive treatment outcome compared to atheist patients. Their faith in a creator naturally gave them deeper faith in their treatment — and it, therefore, worked better. Whatever your religion or spiritual beliefs, regular spiritual practice is important for mental health: it boosts those all-important life-affirming feelings of vibrancy, connection, joy, and fulfilment. Depending on your preferences, you can develop your spiritual side with prayer, meditation, or research into consciousness.

Ultimately, taking care of yourself as a whole will result in greatest physical and mental health. Exercise regularly, spend time in nature, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and take the time for spiritual practice. Incorporate these healthy habits into your daily life, and you’ll begin to experience the happiness, health, and overall improved quality of life you seek.

Are We Giving Enough Attention to Mental Health?

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