Dr Brock Chisholm, the first Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) once said, "Without mental health, there can be no true physical health". With these words, which are part of the Helsinki Declaration, the World Health Organization has perfectly highlighted the importance of physical and mental health as the essential elements of an individual's wellbeing.
With this in mind, World Mental Health Day is celebrated every year on 10 October, as an international mental health day to raise awareness of the importance of mental health, and to promote access to care, helping others to overcome prejudices and stigma around mental health conditions.
Access to mental health care is a fundamental right that should be available to everyone. About 450 million people live with mental disorders, which are among the leading causes of ill health and disabilities in the world. However, it is not always easy to recognize the signs of illness when it comes to mental health, which often accompanied with stigma and fear make these conditions hard to diagnose.
A few warning and early signs of mental health issues:
- Mood changes (excessive joy, irritability, anguish)
- Sleep disturbances (difficulty falling asleep or getting up in the morning)
- Loss of appetite
- Lack of motivation
- Estrangement from friends and family, distrust and self-closing
- Feeling confused, with thoughts that others struggle to understand
- Feeling targeted by what's being said or happening around us
- Afraid of losing control over the consumption of substances such as alcohol, drugs or medicines
- Feeling inadequate in your body
Physical Activity and Psychological Health
It might sound cliche, but your body is your temple. Learning how to take care of yourself is the first step toward self-love and self-respect. Taking care of yourself does include an array of things, but there is no denying that physical activity plays an important role in achieving a balance in mental and physical health. A healthier you, is a happier you, inside and out.
Some types of training, can have a positive effect in your mood. For example, strength training can give you a natural energy boost by stimulating the release of endorphins.
Curves strength training sessions are designed to allow women to exercise together and support each other: attending an environment where mutual support and comradery is at the core of what we do. At Curves not only you can exercise but you can share your goals, your emotions, and even your insecurities in a safe and supportive environment. We are more than a gym; we are a community.
Wellbeing and Nutrition
We are what we eat, everything we consume affects our body's chemistry. Overeating, eating too little or eating 'bad foods' can have significant adverse effects on our mental and physical wellbeing. For example, consuming fatty foods such as fries, pastries, sweets, and other starchy foods, high in carbs, salt, sugar, and fat can make stimulate changes in brain structure and brain chemistry. These changes can sometimes contribute to the onset of depression or other mental health conditions.
That is why it is essential to follow a balanced diet, rich in fruits, protein and vegetables. It is also important to know how to match your foods well in order to draw the maximum amount of nutrients from each meal.
Curves' Approach
Taking care of your body is the first step towards a healthy lifestyle. At Curves, your coach will be with you every step of the way, always by your side. Choosing a fitness centre like Curves means you are joining a team. If you are looking for a genuine connection, we've got your back.
Find your nearest club today and book an appointment with us!
It is a great day to be at Curves!
