cdc: improving social connectedness

Building social connections will always feel stressful and difficult, to find a relationship that is genuine and sincere should never be taken granted for, that is why this article from the CDC is a fantastic informative piece on values, principles, and how to show appreciation when building relationships:

Keywords: Social connection, support, give and take, relationships, stress

"Laying the groundwork

Making social connections can be hard, especially if you are in poor health, having problems with money, or living alone. But a few small acts of connection can build supportive, meaningful relationships.

We can do simple things like reaching out and checking on one another. There is power in a simple check-in with a friend to let them know you're thinking about them.

Even though no official guidelines exist, below are some suggestions for what you can do to improve social connections. "

This guide provides tips of sustaining social connections, general attributes to focus on, but mostly importantly reminding you it's okay to feel stressed and things way be great!

URL: https://www.cdc.gov/social-connectedness/improving/index.html#:~:text=Ideas%20for%20making%20social%20connections&text=Spend%20time%20with%20others%20in,Get%20involved%20in%20your%20community

mental health foundation: how to look after your mental health using exercise

This is a comprehensive piece helps breaking down some of the most common questions when it comes to physical exercises in relation to mental health. The very first question it answers in the beginning of the article is "What is physical activity ？"：

Keywords: Physical activity, Mental-wellbeing, movement, stress, exercise, health

"What is physical activity?

At a very basic level, physical activity means any movement of your body that uses your muscles and expends energy. One of the great things about physical activity is that there are endless possibilities and there will be an activity to suit almost everyone!

It is recommended that the average adult should do between 75 and 150 minutes of exercise a week. This can be either moderate intensity exercise, such as walking, hiking or riding a bike, or it can be more vigorous activities, such as running, swimming fast, aerobics or skipping with a rope. Any activity that raises your heart rate makes you breathe faster, and makes you feel warmer counts towards your exercise!

An easy way to look at types of physical activity is to put them into four separate categories."

Later on the article seeks to answer more questions like What is well-being?, What impact does physical activity have on well-being? Impact on your mood, on stress, Impact on our self-esteem, and How much physical activity should I be doing? For more visit their website below.

URL Citation:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/publications/how-look-after-your-mental-health-using-exercise

cureus: role of physical activity on mental health and wellbeing: a review

An article published by DMIHER School of Epidemiology and Public Health disscusses and investigates the thorough implications of physical activity and it's effects on mental well-being.

Keywords:

#anxiety, #depression, #morbidity, #mental health, #physical activity

Full Abstract:

In addition to the apparent physical health benefits, physical activity also affects mental health positively. Physically inactive individuals have been reported to have higher rates of morbidity and healthcare expenditures. Commonly, exercise therapy is recommended to combat these challenges and preserve mental wellness. According to empirical investigations, physical activity is positively associated with certain mental health traits. In nonclinical investigations, the most significant effects of physical exercise have been on self-concept and body image. An attempt to review the current understanding of the physiological and psychological mechanisms by which exercise improves mental health is presented in this review article. Regular physical activity improves the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Depression and anxiety appear to be influenced by physical exercise, but to a smaller extent in the population than in clinical patients. Numerous hypotheses attempt to explain the connection between physical fitness and mental wellness. Physical activity was shown to help with sleep and improve various psychiatric disorders. Exercise in general is associated with a better mood and improved quality of life. Physical exercise and yoga may help in the management of cravings for substances, especially in people who may not have access to other forms of therapy. Evidence suggests that increased physical activity can help attenuate some psychotic symptoms and treat medical comorbidities that accompany psychotic disorders. The dearth of literature in the Indian context also indicated that more research was needed to evaluate and implement interventions for physical activity tailored to the Indian context.

Full Citation (APA7) :

Mahindru A, Patil P, Agrawal V (January 07, 2023) Role of Physical Activity on Mental Health and Well-Being: A Review. Cureus 15(1): e33475. doi:10.7759/cureus.33475