The interplay of mental and physical health

The pandemic has not only jeopardized our physical well-being, but has also taken a heavy toll on our mental health. The severe restrictions on social life have not left us unscathed. This is also evidenced by the current overload of drop-in centers for psychological support, both for adolescents and adults. Mental health is essential at every stage of life, beginning in childhood and continuing through adolescence and adulthood. It encompasses our emotional, psychological and social well-being and affects us daily, in our thoughts, actions and what we feel. It also determines how we handle stress, how we interact with those around us, and what decisions we make.

Due to problems with mental health, our thoughts, our mood and our behavior can all be affected. Many factors affect our psyche, such as biological conditions like genes. Negative life experiences such as abuse or trauma, or problems in the family can also have a strong impact.

Our mental strength is also clearly dependent on our physical health. If we feel good, if we are active and exercise regularly, this will support our well-being. And the reverse is also true, if we have physical complaints, we feel limited, and fears may arise, which eventually will affect our psyche.

Physical activity and exercise therefore not only have positive effects on physical variables such as fitness, muscles and body weight, but also have a preventive and therapeutic effect. Studies have shown that regular exercise not only significantly reduces the risk of depressive mood disorders, but can also be successfully used as a sports intervention over several weeks in the treatment of such depressive disorders (source).

To protect one's own health, it is therefore important to exercise regularly. The ideal is to take advanced courses, which one attends weekly and can be easily integrated into a daily routine. Our online yoga course offers total flexibility, allowing you to work out whenever you want. At the same time, you learn to strengthen yourself in mindfulness. In the process, you learn to release tension, better manage stress, and take care of yourself. Ideally, active phases and recovery phases alternate and bring the body and the mind into a healthy balance.