Written by Heejae Hwang
The role of family and friends in promoting one’s holistic journey has been a topic of significant interest within the field of psychiatry. Acknowledging the importance of providing support through conversational (i.e., founded in relationships) and exercise-based activities, responsibility is imparted amongst inner circles to support growth. To this end, improving overall well-being by relieving a loved one’s physiological stressors becomes a healthy mode of social reciprocation and kinship. The article explores how family and friends can support their loved ones in their respective explorations driven toward improved health.
Conversational activities, such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and providing emotional support, have played a key role in creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals to share their thoughts and feelings. Active listening, which involves paying full attention to the person speaking by expressing empathy and understanding, is deemed essential in providing emotional support. Likewise, open-ended questions allow for a deeper exploration of thoughts and feelings rather than just providing yes or no answers, which is an effective way to encourage individuals to share their experiences. By cultivating a space allowing for open conversation, one, by showing engagement, can build trust in exchange. Grounding themselves in support of their peer becomes an outlet to show "I am listening" and "I hear you." For many, such may provide a mode of emotional support; in this case, social reciprocation serves as a means of comfort and belongingness. Here, it is crucial to note the importance of respecting an individual's needs and preferences, not overstepping their boundaries. For example, depending on one's character, one may prefer to talk about their struggles, while others may choose to focus on solutions and coping mechanisms. Both a valid means of improving and maintaining overall well-being, it is vital that, as a peer, one supports them in seeking appropriate resources. Promoting healthy means of relief and/or building a safe space for conversation may pave the way for improved well-being via constructive relationships.
In addition to accessible, conversational activities centered on peer-to-peer relationships, promoting activities for fulfilling fundamental needs, including but not limited to regular exercise and healthy eating, is essential in directing overall well-being. In tandem with one’s social connections, the pair allows one to build a healthy, active lifestyle coinciding with positive impacts on mental health. As cited by the national public health agency of the United States, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the benefits of activity include improved stimulation and cognitive ability. Regular exercise, moreover, has been shown to impact mental health positively and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Thereby providing a space to release negative emotions and target the brain's reward system (i.e., mesolimbic system), which motivates one to commit to behaviors promoting rewards, one can improve holistic well-being. A balanced diet has also been found to play a role in mental health and can help improve one's mood, leading to increased attention span and focus. A healthy, balanced diet comprising various foods provides active sustenance, to this end, prevents fatigue among individuals.
The article highlights the importance of supporting loved ones in their holistic journey. The provision of conversational and physical-based activities, such as active listening, asking open-ended questions, and providing emotional support, in combination with encouraging one’s devotion toward regular exercise and healthy eating, has been crucial in promoting overall well-being. Furthermore, it is essential for family and friends to be aware of their mental health and well-being to respect the boundaries of their loved ones to support them in their holistic personal journey effectively, providing a safe environment for development amongst close circles.
Works Cited:
“Food for Your Nood: How What You Eat Affects Your Mental Health.” Aetna, https://www.aetna.com/health-guide/food-affects-mental-health.html.
“Physical Activity Boosts Brain Health.” Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 21 May 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/physical-activity-brain-health/index.html#print.
“Strong Relationships, Strong Health.” Better Health Channel, Department of Health & Human Services, 2 Oct. 2017, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Strong-relationships-strong-health.
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