A narrative review examining the relationship between mental health, physical activity, and nutrition

This narrative review explores the critical role of mental health as the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. The review examines how mental health influences and is influenced by physical activity, nutrition, and other lifestyle factors. Drawing on existing literature, the importance of prioritising mental health for establishing and maintaining healthy habits is highlighted, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances overall health. The impact of various factors on mental health, including, social connections, sleep, hobbies, and work environment is discussed. This review emphasises that a holistic understanding of health necessitates recognizing mental health as a fundamental pillar and prioritising its support through evidence-based strategies and lifestyle choices. The review concludes that adopting a holistic approach to health necessitates recognizing mental health as its cornerstone. The review has discussed various evidence-based strategies that can support mental health and promote a healthy lifestyle. However, it is important to acknowledge that for many of these strategies, further experimental research is needed to establish definitive causal relationships between the practices and improved mental health outcomes. By prioritizing mental health and implementing these strategies, individuals can potentially establish and sustain a positive feedback loop that enhances their overall quality of life.