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Editorial
Mental health: Exercise important
Friday, May 7, 2010
If you're feeling down, a little apprehensive or have a more serious mental condition, it's good to remember that our minds are connected to our bodies.
Scot Adams, director of the Division of Behavioral Health in the Department of Health and Human Services, makes that connection in a release while reminding us that May is Mental Health Month.
"Having poor physical health can get in the way and make recovery from a mental illness harder," Adams said. "Recovery includes the entire person: physical, mental, social and spiritual."
He offers some good advice:
Connect with others. Spending time with positive people you care about can ease stress, help your mood and improve the way you feel overall.
Get a physical. Having regular health check-ups with your healthcare provider can result in early recognition and treatment of many health issues.
Advocate for yourself. All too often, people with mental illnesses develop other health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, because their health is overlooked. Let your doctor know that reviewing your overall health is important to you and essential to your recovery.
Plan your sleep schedule. Not getting the right amount of sleep can make day-to-day functioning and recovery harder.
Watch what you eat. Foods high in calories and fats can raise your blood pressure and cholesterol and increase your chances of gaining weight and having other health problems like heart disease and diabetes.
Manage stress. If you have a mental illness, lots of stress can make you feel worse and make it harder to function. Take these steps to relieve your stress and feel better:
| n | Slow down. Make a list and work on it one task at a time. |
| n | Know your limits and let others know them too. Learn how to say "no." |
| n | Talk to someone. A friend, family member, support group or counselor may help you figure out how to better manage stress in your life. |
Exercise regularly. Even light exercise can increase your self-esteem, reduce your feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Do something you enjoy. Find time to do something you enjoy, even if you can only fit in an occasional 30 minutes.
There are no excuses for McCook residents to be stuck on the couch; public parks, community participant sports activities, the new walking trail, golf course, disk-golf course and YMCA are just a few examples of the opportunities available.
Or go to http://liveyourlifewell.org for proven tools and ways to apply them to your everyday life.
Don't be afraid to ask for professional help, but before you ask for medication, try a good brisk walk.