Why Psychological and Physical Health are Inseparable

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Everyone recognizes the importance of both psychological and physical health for our overall flourishing. However, we often think of these two aspects of wellbeing as separate from each other. For example, if we aim to lose weight or get fit enough to run a marathon, we typically view this as primarily a physical health goal, relying largely on physical activity. Similarly, if we want to develop a more positive attitude at work or reduce social anxiety, we tend to see this as primarily a psychological health goal, focused on mental activity.

In reality, these two aspects of our wellbeing are deeply intertwined. Enhancing our physical health can contribute significantly to our psychological health, while improving our psychological health can boost our physical health. To unlock our full potential for flourishing, we must acknowledge the inseparable connection between our minds and bodies.

In fact, focusing on our physical health goals may be more effective for improving our psychological wellbeing than directly targeting mental health. As discussed in a previous newsletter, excessive introspection about our emotional states and personal problems can be counterproductive, potentially leading to ruminative thought patterns that increase our vulnerability to depression and anxiety. In contrast, when we become absorbed in executing physical actions to improve our physical health, we occupy our mental bandwidth with productive activity, leaving little room for unhealthy rumination.

Moreover, these activities foster self-confidence and a sense of agency, which help energize us to pursue a wide range of life goals that enhance our mental wellbeing. Exercise also benefits mental health through its effects on brain chemistry. Physical activity decreases the production of stress-related hormones like cortisol while increasing the brain's output of mood-enhancing endorphins. Although exercising alone offers numerous mental health benefits, engaging in physical activities with others can strengthen feelings of social connectedness, further reducing stress and promoting positive emotions.

A recent large analysis revealed that physical exercise may be more effective in reducing depression, anxiety, and stress than therapy or medication. Even for individuals with high genetic vulnerability to depression, exercise lowers the risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. The simple activity of walking in nature has been shown to decrease rumination—a contributing factor to depression and anxiety—and reduce neural activity associated with mental illness.

The psychological benefits of physical activity extend to children and adolescents as well. Young people who engage in regular exercise are less prone to mental health problems compared to their sedentary peers. Among teenagers, participation in team sports predicts a lower risk of anxiety and depression. Notably, even light physical activity throughout adolescence reduces the risk of developing depression. 

Exercise offers numerous additional benefits for our mental functioning. It enhances our ability to focus, boosts creativity, and improves memory, thereby reducing the risk of cognitive decline as we age. These cognitive advantages underscore the far-reaching impact of physical activity on our mental capabilities, extending well beyond its more commonly recognized physical health benefits.

While focusing on how our physical health benefits our psychological health, the reverse is equally true. Anyone who has struggled to find the motivation to exercise understands this dynamic. Translating the intention to exercise into actual physical activity can be daunting when our mental energy is low or when we don’t have a clear goal or plan. This is one reason why it is so beneficial to make exercise a part of our daily routine, transforming it into a habit that requires minimal deliberation. However, even when we successfully incorporate exercise into our regular schedule, our mindset remains crucial. A positive mental approach not only motivates us to work out consistently but also encourages us to push ourselves harder, extending our physical limits and maximizing the benefits of our efforts.

Our mindset plays a crucial role in our exercise habits, and one particularly powerful mental factor is our sense of meaning. Research exploring fitness behaviors of people who were previously physically inactive provides a compelling example of this connection. The more these individuals regularly thought about what makes their lives meaningful, the more likely they were to go to the gym. In addition, such reflection on meaning predicted longer and more intense workouts. These findings align with other research linking meaning to action. When we're focused on living with purpose, we're more inclined to engage in physical activities beneficial to our health. For instance, research shows that nostalgic reflection—thinking about meaningful memories—leads to increased physical activity, as measured by Fitbit trackers. Nostalgia can even promote healthy eating by enhancing the sense of meaning-providing social support that bolsters self-control. Essentially, meaning in life serves as a potent motivational resource, energizing us and boosting our resilience.

Our psychological health becomes particularly crucial in maintaining our physical wellbeing when we encounter obstacles that threaten to derail our positive habits. For instance, when faced with an injury that impedes our fitness goals or demands significant effort and tolerance of physical discomfort to recover, our mindset becomes the decisive factor. These challenging situations require us to dig deep, tapping into our mental reserves to find the motivation necessary for engaging in behaviors that, while unpleasant, are essential for our health and recovery.

Ultimately, our minds and bodies are not distinct entities, despite our tendency to separate physical and psychological health. Our mental lives are fundamentally physical; all our thoughts, emotions, personality traits, and motivational processes occur within our brains. Therefore, when considering health and wellbeing, we should adopt a holistic perspective. Taking good care of our minds inherently means nurturing our bodies, and vice versa. 

This comprehensive approach highlights that action is at the core of our overall wellbeing. Mental stagnation and physical inactivity both hinder our overall health, impacting us psychologically and physically. Conversely, action-oriented approaches yield dual benefits. Whether it's engaging in physical exercise or actively managing our thoughts, such actions create a positive feedback loop that enhances both our physical and psychological health. By embracing an action-oriented lifestyle in both our thoughts and behaviors, we nurture our health holistically, recognizing that each deliberate step benefits our mind and body simultaneously.

Have a great weekend!

Clay