Importance of Mental and Physical Well-Being

Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not simply the absence of sickness and disease. Over time many different definitions have also been used for varying purposes. The most commonly accepted definition of health is physiological health which is the ability to maintain the normal functioning of all the systems of the body excluding the organs. Emotional health is the ability to cope with life challenges, while social health refers to your capacity to enjoy life securely and with minimal stress.

A good health implies that you have sufficient quantity of all the essential nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, fat and fiber. A deficiency in any one of these elements results in the deficiency of other essential nutrients. In addition to having the right quantity of all the essential substances, you should also have the right amount of physical activity. In a healthy physical environment, proper sleep, relaxation, proper diet and regular exercises help to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Another important aspect of good health is having good social relationships. Physical health cannot ensure your physical well being unless you are physically fit and healthy. Mental health can only be ensured if you are psychologically healthy. This is because an unhealthy mental environment may contribute to the development of several types of diseases, including cancer, depression, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

A major indicator of poor mental health is the presence of various mental illnesses such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, delusional disorder and post traumatic stress disorder. A physically fit person has high energy levels and high capacity to perform task. Such a person has high coping skills and is capable of dealing with a variety of problems. Thus, his or her well-being is reflected in his capacity to function well in all circumstances.

Lack of physical well-being may lead to a variety of serious diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, heart diseases, etc. However, lack of mental health can also result in different types of diseases such as depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, delusional disorder, eating disorders and anxiety. Psychologically healthy people are able to make better decisions and they have higher self-esteem. They are capable of handling daily challenges and are less prone to health complications. They are also less likely to develop any form of diseases. Therefore, physical well-being and mental well-being are strongly interrelated and if one diminishes, the other is affected too.

One cannot discount the importance of physical exercise and proper diet on health and fitness. The two go hand in hand and absence of one does not necessarily imply loss of the other. For instance, absence from physical activities will not necessarily lead to physical weakness. The idea that absence from physical activities results in physical weakness is a misconception. Physical exercise, proper diet and restful sleep can keep you physically fit and healthy without affecting your mental health.