There are many ways that people can live a happier and healthier life. But what attributes to a healthy mind? Exercise, socializing, a better diet, etc.? During this pandemic, there were many things that were taken away from our normal health and wellness routines.
But one thing seemed to help: physical activity. While people often associate physical activity with vigorous exercise, it turns out that any activity whether it be leisurely or high intensity can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. What that means is whether you go to the gym, walk your dog, or clean the house you will be reducing many physical and mental health ailments (Amatriain-Fernández et al., 2020). It is recommended that people get 30 minutes of moderate activity a day or 20 minutes of rigorous activity every other day (Amatriain-Fernández et al., 2020). While exercise is one way to increase mental and physical wellness, there are other ways that the mind and body can be enhanced.
Music is another wonderful gift that can improve mental health and actual physical changes to the brain. Everyone has heard that listening to Mozart can improve cognitive functioning and study habits, but what can learning to play and instrument do for our brains? In 2017, neuroscientists found that young children with two years of musical training (like learning to play an instrument) were more likely to have stronger brain connections and were better and things like conflict processing (Sachs et al., 2017). It was also found that children with ADHD symptoms were able to improve their cognitive functioning and task load after undergoing music training (Sachs et al., 2017). One of the reasons they believe this is happening is that music can affect the part of the brain that deals with impulsivity as well as behavioral changes in their surroundings.
Another fascinating way that we can improve our mental health is by learning a foreign language. For instance, scientists have found that learning a second language for eight year old children can improve their vocabulary in their native tongue and improve their memory for up to six months (Andrä, 2020). Using pictures and gestures to describe a foreign word enhances learning abilities and performance (Andrä, 2020). They also found that pictures and gestures in a foreign language improve not only concrete thinking (table, desk, etc.), but abstract thinking (deeper thoughts) as well (Andrä, 2020). The reason this is important is because abstract thinking tends to develop more slowly than concrete thinking in children. However, if a second language is introduced, abstract thinking forms almost as quickly (Andrä, 2020).
While there are many ways that mental health and wellness can be improved, physical activity, vigorous exercise, music, and learning a second language are all things that can be done right from home even in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. As long as we keeps our bodies moving and our brains improving, our mental and physical health are sure to be more robust. Hopefully all of us can take some time out of our day to use these tips to increase our overall wellness.
Written by: Amanda Meffert, a graduate student obtaining her Masters in Clinical Mental Health from Northwestern University.. She provides services to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors to address a broad range of concerns, including adjustment difficulties, anxiety, depression and relationship challenges.