Columbus Monthly: Health Matters Special Section (June 2022)

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c l r e i H C e l a l lth u F How mental wellness affects physical well-being (and vice versa)

By Dana Randall

PHOTO: PRIMIPIL/GETTY IMAGES

While the mind and body are often referred to separately, there are many ways in which they are connected. When there is something wrong with one, the other is often affected. So how can we prioritize both physical and mental health while keeping up with our day-to-day lives?

Dr. Cheryl Carmin, a psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, explains there is a circular relationship between physical and mental health that can make tasks appear more challenging than they are—even seemingly simple self-care tasks.

If you find it difficult to get the motivation to do things that might make you feel better in the long run, Carmin suggests a brain exercise: “Think of the negative implications of doing things that you struggle to find the motivation for and the actual probability of them happening, which is usually quite low,” she says. “Health tends to cause people to worry. If you look at your anxieties around self-care as a problem to overcome, it might make it easier to know where to begin without getting overwhelmed.”

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Treat Yourself

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for everyone. Some might find exercise or art to be soothing, while others might be drawn to board games, reading or even cleaning. What is most effective at easing tension for each person is as unique as the person themself.

“Sometimes it takes a bit of creativity to figure out what works for you, whether it be exercising or less strenuous activities,” Carmin explains.

“Regarding exercise or other activities that might be challenging to find the motivation to do, meeting a friend or finding a buddy to encourage more regular participation in physical activities can have major potential to boost mental health,” she adds.

In addition to creating a sense of motivation and accountability, having a close community or group with mutual goals to act as a support system will help with feelings of isolation and loneliness.

“Finding a way to exercise with other people to hold yourself accountable is a great way to take care of yourself while connecting with others,” Schabbing echoes. “If you can find a way to be more active and make connections while doing it, that is where you will get the greatest payoff for your efforts.”

But this connection doesn’t always need to be in-person. In an age where everyone is

plugged in, there are ways to use electronics for self-care as well, Schabbing suggests.

Many fitness apps have a social component that lets users share or compare workouts, complete an activity as part of a group, and more. In addition to offering a sense of community, apps can help keep you accountable with gentle, daily reminders to take some time for yourself.

“In general, when we think about the mind-body connection, one of the most important things is checking in with yourself daily and appreciating the fact that everyone manages stress differently,” Schabbing says.

“During periods when we are more disconnected than ever, self-care becomes even more important.”

PHOTO: PATRICK CHU/GETTY IMAGES

To further combat potential overwhelm, Dr. Megan Schabbing, a psychiatrist and OhioHealth’s medical director of Psychiatric Emergency Services, encourages taking small steps to start. “It is important to remember that starting small can lead to the biggest lifestyle changes, because it gets a little bit easier each time,” she says. “Take some time to care for yourself every day, even 15 minutes.”

That could be as simple as a stroll around the block. “One of the best coping mechanisms for stress is exercise, which releases endorphins,” Schabbing adds. “A good place for anyone to start is walking.”

Another approach to taking care of the mind using the body is behavioral activation, which Carmin explains as the use of intentional behaviors to influence one’s emotional state.

“Doing things you enjoy and can feel some sense of accomplishment from can help to diffuse depressed moods,” she says.

“Oftentimes, people don’t give themselves enough credit for what they’re good at. I would encourage them to revisit and explore their strengths so that they can find ways to employ them in their self-care activities.”

It is important to note that devising coping mechanisms for stress is different

Debbie Penzone, president and CEO of Penzone Salons + Spas, lives by an Eleanor Brown quote: “When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow.

You cannot serve from an empty vessel.”

With a house mantra of “improving lives from the outside in,” the brand and its employees view self-care as a necessity, not an option—and they want you to do the same.

To that end, mindfulness is infused into everything they do at Penzone Salons + Spas, which has several offerings for people looking to pamper themselves. From enhancing typically mundane services, like offering a warm aromatherapy towel during your shampoo, to more immersive experiences, like a noise-canceling headset during your pedicure, the local salon chain finds opportunity to make each service a soothing event.

For the ultimate in pampering, book a “Penzone Experience.” These packages bundle common services, like manicures, pedicures, facials and/or massages, for a multi-hour self-care session.

Some Experiences include a bite from the salon’s house café, a glass of wine or a CBD enhancement for ultimate relaxation. And if the available offerings don’t quite tickle your fancy, you can build your own custom Experience at several of Penzone’s six locations, including the new Gahanna/New Albany outpost, which opened in April.