We cannot think of our physical health and our mental health as separate. They're together. We have to look at the whole body and mind experience. 

Experiencing a physical health challenge, affects our mental health and often results in being stressed or feeling stressed about a condition.

If we're physically in pain, it's difficult to make wellbeing choices, to practice self-care. We can lack motivation. It can make things like exercise difficult, or even impossible in certain cases. We can ruminate on that health condition.

What can we do to stay well mentally if we're suffering from a chronic or an ongoing physical health challenge? 

• The simple answer is, we do what we can. 

• Investing the time in being intentional about our mental wellbeing can help with the physical challenge. 

• Making sure we're eating well.

• Being properly hydrated.

• Looking at how we can build exercise into our routine. 

• Accepting where we're at, what we can do, and doing what we can. 

• Practising self-kindness.

So I wish you good health, and if we are dealing with a challenge I wish you good management of that challenge. Remember to prioritise your self-care.

Resources

• Check out this handy list of tips on how to support your mental health when you are struggling with your physical health.

• 📖 Read our expert opinions, slice of life and other articles on Health.

• 🎧 Listen to our podcasts and watch videos on health.