Health, as defined by the World Health Organization, is a state of full physical, emotional and social well being and not just the absence of illness and disease. A number of definitions have been used for various purposes over the years. It has been called a state of mind, since it includes aspects such as the person’s attitudes about health, their general outlook on life, their response to stressors, and their ability to relate to others. Some of the components that make up this concept are: self-esteem, self-discipline, healthy relationships, the ability to make changes, and a sense of purpose or community.
The components have a lot of overlap, although the word “health” does not appear in the definition. It can also be used in a more narrow sense to define the study of the physical and mental condition of humans. Mental health includes the ability to think correctly and efficiently, to solve problems, learn, and acquire knowledge. One branch of mental health science is psychology. Psychology deals with the explanations of behavior, development, recovery, and adaptation. The field also studies how mental illnesses occur and how they affect the individual.
Stress is a major contributor to poor health status. People are exposed to various forms of mental, emotional, and physical stress throughout their lives. Long-term stress results in adverse effects on the body and the mind including the tendency to acquire diseases that are related to physical ailments. Some of the diseases include depression, anxiety, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension.
The good news is that there are a number of things that we can do to prevent the onset of these diseases. A healthy diet, exercise, stress management, relaxation, and a healthy lifestyle can help you to fight against these diseases. A healthy diet is essential for everyone, because what you eat determines your overall health. Many people are unaware of the importance of a healthy diet, which means that they consume a poor quality and amount of food that are detrimental to their health status.
Physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle mean that you should engage in regular exercises to maintain an optimal level of health and physical fitness. You should also learn to relax frequently in order to reduce your stress levels. Relaxation techniques can range from deep breathing to meditation. Medications have been known to enhance mental and physical health. For instance, the use of antidepressants have been shown to improve psychological and physical well being among patients in a clinical trial. Antidepressants are used to treat various types of depression and to promote positive thoughts and moods.
Other factors that contribute to poor mental and physical health include tobacco, alcohol, drugs, and physical inactivity. Eating the right quantity of the right type of food, staying physically active, and getting the right amount of sleep deprivation can go a long way in preventing health problems. Learning to manage your stress levels can go a long way in preventing mental disorders and physical illnesses. You should also start practicing meditation in order to eliminate unnecessary worries and stress.