Taking care of yourself is the first step towards good mental health
Your physical health affects your mental health and how you cope with the stresses and strains of everyday life.
The mind-body connection is real, yet most people still take it for granted.
Having spent many years as a professional rugby player with Munster and the Irish squad, I have learnt that my health is a top priority.
I believe that a healthy body leads to a healthy mind and taking care of your health helps keep you in good shape physically and mentally.
Taking care of your body is the first step towards mental and emotional health.
It’s not an exciting quick-fix, but focusing on reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, taking time out for ourselves, exercising and eating a nutritious healthy diet can play a huge role in our mental health and wellbeing.
I’ve tried to maintain a healthy diet since I left professional sport but it isn’t always easy, especially on match days when I’m doing TV commentary.
But again, it’s about balance. The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ has become a bit of a cliche over recent years, but it has a basis in fact.
Remember any amount of exercise is better than none. Our bodies produce natural endorphins when we move, these are powerful chemicals that lift your mood and provide added energy.
Exercise needn’t be daunting. It doesn’t have to mean playing rugby or going to the gym. It can be through smaller, simpler activities like getting outside for a walk.
Exercise and nutrition can play a big role. Even for those who are feeling well in themselves, it can be brilliant to develop good habits in both those areas, but by no means does it mean you won’t get stressed or anxious or that you might not suffer from depression.
It simply means that you have better mechanisms to cope, and are better equipped when something does happen.
We all need help and support from time to time. I think that, for most of us, there are times in life when you feel overwhelmed.
There may be some days, weeks, months — for whatever reason — just getting through the day or going to work or putting one foot in front of the other feels hard. Really, really hard.
It’s important to seek out help when you need it. Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness.
It’s always OK to accept that you’re not always able to cope. It can be a comfort to talk to someone and get that weight off your shoulders.
Being aware really is the key. I passionately believe that talking about mental health is a positive — not a negative — thing.
If society embraces talking about mental health we can all gain a better understanding and empathy towards one another.
Former Muster and Ireland rugby player Alan Quinlan is the Aramark Healthy for Life ambassador.
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