Stress, anxiety and low mood can seriously disrupt your day-to-day life. While they can stem from physical health challenges, some simple behavioural changes can often help improve them. In this blog, we discuss the mind-body connection and the natural supplements some people are turning to for balance and resilience.
How the Mind & Body Influence Each Other
According to the NHS, one in four adults experiences a mental illness. With the pressures of modern life, understanding how our minds and bodies interact has never been more relevant.
Let's look at those in a demanding career as an example. In today's professional environment, the lines between job demands and personal commitments have blurred. Responsibilities pile up and can quickly become overwhelming, creating increased strain. In turn, this burden can lead to a lack of sleep, which lowers productivity throughout the day. Work schedules are then extended, with employees writing proposals late into the night until they're exhausted. With little opportunity to cook, many resort to takeaways, ready meals or snacks, which can result in unhealthy food choices. Separately, these all have an impact, but combined, they can really wear people down.
Stress alone plays a big role in the mind-body connection. When you're stressed, you physically feel it; your heart rate increases, your muscles tense up, and you can suffer from headaches. Chronic stress is even tougher. It can raise your blood pressure, affect heart health and contribute to anxiety and depression. Over time, constant stress also weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to common illnesses.
But it's a two-way street. Physical health problems can equally trigger mental health issues. Take physical activity in our intense job situation. Long working hours and stress can tempt you to stay glued to your desk in a bid to get projects completed on schedule. Yet, a lack of physical activity and leading an increasingly sedentary routine only makes things worse.
How a Strong Mind-Body-Health Connection Supports Your Wellbeing
However, because of how intrinsically linked the two are, you can make this relationship work in your favour. Recognising how your thoughts and physical state influence one another helps you break these negative cycles. Just as poor physical health can drag you into decline, taking care of it can lift you back up.
10 Ways to Support the Mind-Body Connection
- Physical activity
- Appreciate little wins
- Natural supplements
- Practice mindfulness
- Nutritious meal prep
- Prioritise sleep
- Keep hydrated
- Connect with others
- Get outside
- Schedule work breaks.
Natural Supplements for Holistic Wellbeing
The above mind–body practices complement each other, and many also choose natural supplements for additional support.
Ashwagandha is currently enjoying its moment in the spotlight. A small shrub with yellow flowers that's native to India and Southeast Asia, it's been used for centuries in Ayurveda, India's traditional method of natural medicine, to help the system adapt to stress.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another popular choice that supports brain health and overall wellness. And research continues to explore how various nutrients help wellbeing, with recent studies highlighted by BBC Future examining compounds like creatine for cognitive performance during stressful periods.
These natural supplements are best taken as part of a balanced method that includes the lifestyle habits listed above.
A Well-Rounded Approach
Whether via regular movement, better nutrition, quality sleep or natural supplements, the modest changes you adopt can produce big effects. Simply by choosing one or two mind–body practices that appear realistic, you're in a great starting position.
Nurturing your physical wellbeing is one piece of the holistic health puzzle, but it's one that's entirely within your control.
Final Thoughts
If you're struggling with your mental health, it's important to seek expert guidance. The Samaritans offer free, confidential support 24/7 and can be reached through their website at samaritans.org. Your GP is also a good first point of contact for mental health concerns.
Remember, supplements need to work alongside healthy lifestyle changes rather than as standalone solutions. As with all food supplements, it’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding new products to your regimen – particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or are taking other prescription and non-prescription medicines.
