How behavior affects health?

Behavior can influence and affect health in very profound ways. Some health concerns are obvious: smoking, substance use, eating habits, risky sexual practices. Each of these are behavioral practices that have the ability to negatively influence health and affect the likelihood of developing disease or health problems.

Behavior and mental health intersect and affect health. Some of the lifestyle changes and practices that are linked with managing stress, improving conditions like depression and anxiety, and improving overall wellness are very similar to ones that are helpful and recommended for overall health benefits. These include things like:

• Getting adequate sleep
• Getting regular exercise
• Maintaining healthy relationships and a support system
• Eating a nutritious diet of healthy foods
• Practicing stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, or mindfulness

Many health issues are linked with underlying emotional difficulties and mental health challenges. For example, research has shown that stress and depression can cause the release of hormones that have an impact on the function of the immune system and can cause health problems like lowered immune response, and increased risk for cardiovascular problems, arthritis, and more. A factor in the development of stress and depression is healthy social support systems and relationships, which are dependent on behavior.

Psychosocial factors are known to play a role in the development of heart disease. Depression, loneliness, social isolation, and anger can influence the development of heart disease. Behavior is a factor here in that not maintaining healthy relationships or social connections may negatively influence health.

Managing basic aspects of health and common health conditions like weight, asthma, and diabetes requires behavioral choices that are supportive of helping these conditions. Asthma isn’t caused by behavior but smoking or failing to follow protocols for treatment are related behavioral issues that may cause problems for someone with asthma. While genetics can play a role in the development of obesity and related health complications, behavior is another factor that influences the development of obesity and the related health complications that may result. Diabetes management depends on behavior. The ability and willingness to monitor the condition, and control behaviors related to it like food intake and taking medications as recommended.

Behavior has a clear influence on health and mental health. Mental health also impacts physical health; the connections between these three factors are well researched. Maintaining and cultivating healthy behaviors can be a way of taking control of overall health and wellness.