Question

What are some external factors that might influence our choices about psychological health? And explain why.

Answer 1

There are various external factors that can influence our psychological health.
Some of them include:

1) Exercise and Activity level:
Apart from the physical benefits it has such as weight loss and fitness, exercise also aids in mental health. When we exercise, our body releases chemicals called endorphins. These chemicals (endorphins) trigger a positive feeling in the body (feeling of happiness) and also helps in relieving pain.

2) Smoking:
When people smoke, they take in a lot of toxins in the body which result into mood problems, and this adversely affect their mental health.

3) Eating Habits
Unhealthy choices such as excess processed foods, sweets, and foods with a low nutrient value, then, can all undermine mental health. Research has shown that healthy fats such as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, as well as the fat found in fruits such as avocados, can boost brain power and improve mood.

4) Physical Health
Our mind and body are connected. If we are physically unfit, or have some physical illness, there are high chances that it can lead to poor mental health as well.

5) Mediation
Deep breathing and relaxation activities such as meditation helps in calming down the person's brain and it leads to positive mental health

6) Healthy Sleep
A good and healthy amount of sleep is necessary for all individuals to function healthily and properly. 6-8 hours of sleep is sufficient and healthy for adults. People who sleep less than that are prone to psychological problems and physical problems too.

7) Environmental Stressors:
The stressors around us such as unemployment, death or illness of a loved one, break up of a relationship, abuse, poverty, etc can lead to disturbances of mood and affect the mental health poorly.