What is physical health?
Physical health refers to the overall well-being and functioning of the body. It encompasses various aspects of our body’s condition, including the absence of disease or illness, proper functioning of organs and systems, and the ability to perform physical tasks and activities effectively. Physical health is influenced by factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices, diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and environmental factors. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, engaging in regular physical activity, and seeking appropriate medical care when needed, individuals can support and maintain their physical health.
Understanding physical health
Physical health exists on a continuum rather than being a fixed state. It is not simply a binary concept of being either “healthy” or “unhealthy.” Instead, physical health can be understood as a spectrum with various degrees and levels.
At one end of the continuum, there is optimal physical health, where individuals experience a high level of well-being, vitality, and functional capacity. They have minimal or no health issues, good overall fitness, and are able to perform physical activities with ease. On the other end of the continuum, there is poor physical health, where individuals may have chronic health conditions, significant limitations in their functional abilities, or a high risk of developing health complications. They may experience frequent health problems, reduced physical stamina, or struggle with activities of daily living. Others may sit somewhere in the middle, having minor health concerns or risk factors but still able to engage in daily activities without significant limitations.
Examples of poor physical health
- Chronic fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue or lack of energy can be a sign of poor physical health. Individuals may feel tired even after getting sufficient rest and may experience difficulty in performing daily activities.
- Excessive weight gain or loss: Significant and unexplained weight gain or loss can be indicative of poor physical health. Obesity or being underweight can increase the risk of various health conditions and may suggest imbalances in nutrition, metabolism, or hormonal function.
- Weak immune system: Frequent illnesses, infections, or prolonged recovery times from common illnesses can be a sign of a weakened immune system. Poor physical health can impair the body’s ability to fight off infections and can make individuals more susceptible to illnesses.
- Cardiovascular issues: Poor physical health can contribute to cardiovascular problems. Symptoms may include high blood pressure, irregular heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain or discomfort, and poor cardiovascular endurance.
- Restricted mobility and flexibility: Decreased range of motion, stiffness, and difficulty in performing daily movements can indicate poor physical health. These issues may be related to joint problems, muscle imbalances, or reduced flexibility.
- Skin problems: Skin conditions such as dryness, rashes, acne, or slow wound healing can be associated with poor physical health. Skin issues may be a reflection of underlying nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, or impaired immune function.
- Digestive problems: Digestive issues such as frequent heartburn, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea can be signs of poor physical health. These symptoms may indicate problems with digestion, gut health, or dietary choices.
- Poor sleep quality: Difficulty falling asleep, frequent waking during the night, or waking up feeling unrefreshed can be signs of poor physical health. Sleep problems can be caused by various factors, including stress, poor sleep hygiene, or underlying health conditions.
- Chronic pain: Persistent or recurrent pain in the body, such as headaches, joint pain, or muscle aches, can be indicative of poor physical health. Chronic pain can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
- Impaired sensory functions: Poor physical health can affect sensory functions, such as vision or hearing. Blurred vision, hearing loss, or other sensory impairments may be signs of underlying health issues.
It’s important to remember that physical health is multifaceted and can vary from person to person. While these indicators can provide a general idea of what good or poor physical health looks like, the presence of one or more of these signs does not necessarily indicate an overall good/poor diagnosis of physical health. It’s crucial to approach physical health holistically and consider the interconnectedness of different aspects, such as cardiovascular health, musculoskeletal health, mental well-being, and nutritional status. Therefore, it is essential to consider individual variations and consult with healthcare professionals for a comprehensive assessment.
Physical health and ACT therapy
While Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is primarily a psychological intervention, it can be an important tool to help individuals manage the psychological and emotional impact of physical health challenges. In turn this can enhance overall well-being, and encourage healthier behaviours.
Here are some examples that demonstrate how ACT therapy can be supportive:
- Acceptance in relation to physical health challenges: Acceptance does not mean resignation to physical health problems or giving up. Acceptance skills are often employed alongside a physical health program that seeks to manage or ameliorate health symptoms. Acceptance skills, rather, focus on helping the person to let go of unproductive struggles or battles with some of the psychological fallout of experiencing health problems. Being willing to acknowledge the associated thoughts and feelings, allows more room for values-based actions.
- Psychological flexibility: ACT places emphasis on developing psychological flexibility by being present in the moment, accepting difficult thoughts and emotions, and choosing behaviours that align with personal values. For individuals with physical health issues, this can help them navigate the emotional ups and downs, cope with stress, and adapt to their changing circumstances.
- Clarifying personal values: ACT helps individuals identify and clarify their personal values, which are the qualities and experiences they want to prioritise and nurture in their lives. By connecting with their values, individuals can set meaningful goals related to their physical health and well-being. This can provide motivation and direction for making healthier choices and engaging in activities that enhance their overall quality of life.
- Mindfulness practices: Mindfulness is a key component of ACT therapy. With present-moment awareness and non-judgemental attention, individuals can develop a different relationship with their physical health challenges. Mindfulness practices can help individuals better manage pain, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing.
- Behaviour change: ACT therapy can support individuals in making behaviour changes that promote physical health. By helping individuals identify barriers and develop strategies to overcome them, ACT can facilitate the adoption of healthier habits such as engaging in regular exercise, improving sleep patterns, managing stress, and adhering to medical treatments or self-care regimens.
- Enhancing wellbeing: Physical health issues can impact psychological wellbeing, leading to anxiety, depression, or other emotional difficulties. ACT can help individuals develop psychological skills to manage these challenges, reduce emotional distress, and build resilience. This may involve techniques such as cognitive restructuring, emotion regulation, and self-compassion practices.
It’s important to note that ACT is typically used as a complement to medical treatment and should not replace necessary medical interventions. It is recommended to work with a qualified ACT therapist who can tailor these techniques to an individual’s specific needs and circumstances. By integrating ACT principles into their lives, individuals with physical health issues can enhance their psychological well-being, improve coping strategies, and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
At Contextual Consulting, we offer a range of live and on-demand training courses covering ACT therapy and physical health to support extended learning on this subject. Our blog and free resources pages also offer additional reading and insight.
