COM3005NFC: Embarking on the Journey of Wellness: Understanding Lifestyle's Influence Case Study

COM3005NFC: Embarking on the Journey of Wellness: Understanding Lifestyle's Influence

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Introduction: COM3005NFC: Embarking on the Journey of Wellness: Understanding Lifestyle's Influence

Lifestyle and physical and mental health affect each other. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and other lifestyle choices can affect how people feel physically and mentally (Wang and Geng, 2019). According to research, healthy lifestyles reduce the risk of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and other health issues. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as "a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity." To promote health and well-being, it is important to understand how lifestyle choices affect physical and mental health. This publication reviews the lifestyle-health literature (Smith and Victor, 2019). The study will evaluate how nutrition, exercise, sleep, smoking, and alcohol affect physical and mental health. Social cognition, identity, and influence will also be explored.

This report will also propose a study on lifestyle factors and university students' health. The paper will also explore the importance of studying lifestyle factors that affect physical and mental health and how this research may assist build successful health interventions and laws. This paper presents the theoretical framework, develops a research topic, and discusses lifestyle and physical and mental health research.

Portfolio Task 1: the academic background

For a long time, research has been intensive on the relationship between lifestyle as well as physical and/or mental happiness. This topic has a rich academic history that spans several disciplines, including psychology, sociology, medicine, and public health. Studies have examined the effects of various lifestyle factors on outcomes related to physical and/or psychological health.

The significance of physical activity for preserving physical and mental health has been one of the main areas of research (Richardet. al 2017). Consistent physical activity has been exposed in studies to lower the chance of developing chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity. It may also improve mental health results, such as symptom reduction for anxiety and depression.

The impact of nutrition on bodily and mental health outcomes has been a significant subject of investigation. Unhealthy eating patterns have been connected to an upper risk of chronic diseases and detrimental effects on mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, according to research.

The importance of sleep to both physical and mental health cannot be overstated. Lack of sleep has been linked in studies to unhealthy conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease (Balanzá–Martínezet. al 2020). It can also have a big effect on things like anxiety and depression that are related to mental health.

Additionally, studies have looked into the effects of drinking alcohol and smoking on both physical and mental health consequences. According to studies, heavy drinking and smoking both raise the chance of developing chronic diseases and have a detrimental effect on mental health conditions including anxiety and depression.

Finally, the study examined several ideas about lifestyle and physical and/or mental welfare. These include group dynamics, social impact, social identity, and social cognition (Ohrnbergeret. al 2017). Lifestyle decisions and consequences in terms of physical and mental health are significantly influenced by social influences.

Numerous lifestyle elements and their effects on physical and mental health outcomes are covered in the academic background to the topic of lifestyle and physical and/or mental wellness. Additionally, several topics linked to this subject have been investigated in the research, with a focus on the significance of social influences on lifestyle decisions and their effects on both physical and mental health.

Portfolio Task 2 - Formulate a research question

Research questions

Five research questions regarding lifestyle and physical and/or mental well-being are listed below:

1. What is the connection between young adults' mental health outcomes and physical activity?
2. How does nutrition affect the physical and mental health of those with long-term medical conditions?
3. What impact does lack of sleep have on college students' physical and mental performance?
4. How does alcohol use affect middle-aged persons' physical health outcomes?
5. How common is smoking among people who have mental health issues, and how does it affect their general well-being?

Aim of the study

The purpose of this research study is to examine how lifestyle choices affect young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 in terms of their physical and/or emotional wellness. The study specifically seeks to:

1. Analyse the link between physical activity and young adults (18–25) bodily and/or emotional wellness.
2. Examine the effect of nutrition on young adults' physical and/or emotional wellness (18 to 25 years old).
3. Examine the connection between sleep and the physical and/or psychological health of young adults (18 to 25).
4. Analyse the effects of drinking and smoking on the bodily and/or psychological health of young adults (18 to 25 years old).
5. Look into the combined effects of lifestyle factors on the physical and/or mental health of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25. Lifestyle and physical/mental well-being.

Concepts: This study project will examine numerous lifestyle and physical/mental well-being concepts (Sancassianiet. al 2015). These consist of:

1. The value of exercise in preserving one's physical and mental health.
2. Poor eating habits' effects on both physical and mental health results.
3. The value of sleep for both physical and mental health.
4. The link between drinking alcohol and smoking and one's bodily and/or emotional health.
5. The combined effect of lifestyle variables on health—either physical or mental.

Physical health and lifestyle components

Physical health refers to a person's capacity for physical activity, ability to maintain a healthy weight, and ability to stay free from illness or injury. Physical well-being is the state of one's physical health. Maintaining physical well-being depends heavily on lifestyle factors like nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

Diet plays a significant role in physical well-being because it gives the body the nutrition it needs to function properly (Liddell and Guiney, 2015). Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes can all be prevented with a diet high in fruits, vegetables, healthy grains, and lean protein. The risk of these diseases can, however, be raised by a diet rich in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars.

Another crucial lifestyle element that enhances physical wellness is physical activity. Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, increases strength and endurance, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Another important element in maintaining physical health is sleep. Fatigue, poor productivity, and a higher risk of injury can all result from sleep deprivation. An adequate amount of sleep supports optimal brain function and aids in body repair and regeneration.

Lifestyle Choices and mental health

A person's emotional and psychological state, including their capacity to manage stress, uphold healthy relationships, and discover meaning and purpose in life, are all considered to be indicators of their mental well-being. Maintaining mental health depends on lifestyle elements like social support, stress management, and self-care.

Positive relationships can help lower stress, boost happiness, and encourage healthy behaviours, making social support an important component of mental health. The maintenance of regular social ties with friends, family, and support networks can aid in promoting mental health and preventing mental health issues.

Another crucial element in maintaining mental health is stress management. Learning efficient coping strategies can help prevent the harmful effects of chronic stress, which include problems with one's physical and mental health. Exercise, meditation, and deep breathing are all methods that can help people unwind and reduce stress.

Self-care is also essential for preserving mental health. This encompasses practices including obtaining enough sleep, participating in hobbies, and learning self-compassion. Taking part in enjoyable and fulfilling activities can enhance general well-being and prevent burnout.

Research significance

Research on lifestyle and physical and/or mental welfare is of utmost importance. There is a need for the study to examine the effects of various lifestyle determinants on physical and mental health outcomes as the significance of healthy lifestyle choices is becoming more widely understood (Snyder, 2019). The development of programmes and policies aimed at encouraging healthier lives and improving health outcomes can be informed by such research, which can offer insightful information about how lifestyle decisions might affect health.

Research on the link between physical exercise and mental health outcomes, for instance, can assist in the formulation of policies that aim to promote physical activity as well as in the identification of efficient interventions for enhancing mental health. The development of interventions targeted at promoting healthy eating habits can be guided by research on the effects of nutrition on physical and mental wellness, which can offer vital insights into the dietary options that are most helpful for health.

Given the significant incidence of mental health issues worldwide, research on lifestyle variables and mental health is particularly crucial (Zhang et.al 2023)l. The development of interventions targeted at lowering the prevalence and severity of such disorders, as well as the development of policies aimed at boosting mental well-being more generally, can both be aided by identifying lifestyle variables that contribute to such conditions.

For a better knowledge of how lifestyle choices can affect health outcomes, research on lifestyle and physical and/or mental well-being is crucial. This study has the potential to significantly improve public health by informing the creation of programmes and policies that encourage healthier lifestyles and improve health outcomes.

Portfolio Task 3: Research techniques

Any research endeavour must have a research technique since it instructs the researcher on how to gather and analyse data. The research design and sample plan for our investigation into the connection between lifestyle factors and both physical and mental well-being will be covered in this part.

The cross-sectional research design will be used for the present investigation. It will be able to gather data from a big and diverse population at one time thanks to this approach (Ørngreen and Levinsen, 2017). The associations between variables can be explored, and their prevalence in a population can be determined, using cross-sectional approaches.

• Sampling: The report will employ a stratified random sampling strategy to get a representative sample (Al Kilani and Kobziev, 2016). The population will initially be divided into groups based on age, gender, and socioeconomic position. After then, participants will be chosen at random from each stratum to make sure that the report has a representative sample of the population.
• Sample size: To ensure that the report can identify any significant relationships between lifestyle factors and both physical and mental wellness, we plan to gather information from at least 500 participants.
• Data gathering: To get information from our participants, the report will employ a self-administered questionnaire. Demographic information, lifestyle factors like physical activity, diet, sleep, and substance use, as well as tested indicators of physical and mental well-being, will all be included in the questionnaire (Allison et.al 2016). Before releasing the questionnaire to the participants, it will conduct a pilot test to make sure it is valid and reliable.

Data for this research study will be gathered using a combination of methods. In-depth interviews will be used to gather qualitative information, while an online survey will be used to gather quantitative information. The purpose of the survey is to collect data on participants' self-reported physical and emotional well-being as well as lifestyle aspects like physical activity, food, sleep, and substance use. Social media channels, emails, and in-person recruitment at neighbourhood gyms, health clinics, and community centres will all be used to spread the survey. A subsample of survey respondents who have consented to take part in the study's qualitative component will be the subject of the interviews. Depending on the participant option, the interviews will either be performed in person or by video conference and will be semi-structured (Molina-Azorin 2016). The participants' experiences with lifestyle factors and judgements of how these factors affect their physical and emotional wellness will be examined throughout the interviews.

Descriptive and inferential statistics will be used to analyse the data. The data will be summarised using descriptive statistics, such as means and standard deviations. Regression analysis will be used to investigate the connection between lifestyle choices and both physical and mental health while accounting for other factors including age, gender, and socioeconomic position.

1. Relationship between physical exercise and young people's mental health outcomes: Young adults' mental health outcomes have been proven to be positively impacted by physical activity. Regular exercise has been demonstrated to help lessen the signs of anxiety and depression, boost mood, and improve psychological well-being in general (Hendriartoet. al 2021). Endorphins are natural chemicals in the brain that assist in reducing pain and enhancing mood, and exercise encourages their release. Additionally, physical activity aids in lowering stress, boosting self-esteem, and enhancing sleep. Young adults who regularly exercise are therefore more likely to have positive consequences for their mental health.
2. The effect of diet on the physical and mental health of people with chronic illnesses: Diet has a big effect on the physical and mental health of people with chronic illnesses. A balanced diet helps lower the chance of developing chronic conditions that can harm both physical and mental health, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular illnesses. To preserve cognitive function and advance mental health, a balanced diet that contains necessary vitamins and minerals is crucial (Huyet. al 2021). Studies have also suggested that several dietary components, like folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids, may be protective against depression and cognitive impairment. Therefore, keeping a nutritious and balanced diet should be a top priority for people with chronic health disorders to enhance their physical and mental welfare.
3. College students' physical and mental performance: might be negatively impacted by sleep deprivation. Lack of sleep has been associated with poor cognitive performance, deteriorated memory, and trouble focusing. Lack of sleep can also have a bad influence on physical health, increasing the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease, and immune system deterioration. Due to academic and social obligations, college students are particularly vulnerable to sleep deprivation. To enhance their physical and mental performance, college students should prioritise obtaining adequate sleep.
4. The consequences of alcohol use on middle-aged individuals' physical health outcomes: Middle-aged adults' physical health outcomes can suffer as a result of alcohol use. A higher risk of liver disease, cardiovascular disease, and several cancers has been associated with excessive drinking. Additionally, binge drinking has a bad effect on mental health and raises the risk of anxiety and sadness (Ain et.al 2019). Due to variables like increasing stress, altered social norms, and increased discretionary income, middle-aged adults are particularly vulnerable to alcohol-related health problems. To lower the risk of poor physical and mental health outcomes, middle-aged adults must moderate their alcohol intake.
5. The prevalence of smoking among individuals with mental health conditions, and its impact on overall well-being: Smoking is more common than it is in the general population among people with mental health disorders, and it can have detrimental impacts on both physical and mental well-being. Smoking has been linked in studies to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, lung cancer, and respiratory issues, all of which can have a severe effect on physical health (Torres, 2018). Smoking can also make the signs of mental health issues like anxiety and sadness worse. Additionally, quitting smoking has been linked to better outcomes in terms of mental health. To enhance their overall physical and mental welfare, people with mental health disorders must prioritise stopping smoking.

Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviations, will be used to analyse the quantitative data from the survey to summarise the characteristics of the study population and the distribution of important variables. The links between lifestyle determinants and outcomes related to physical and mental well-being will be examined using inferential statistics, such as correlation and regression analysis. Thematic analysis, a method of locating, deciphering, and summarising patterns or themes within data, will be used to examine the qualitative information gathered from the interviews. To give a more complete knowledge of the relationship between lifestyle factors and physical and mental well-being, the themes that emerge from the interviews will be compared to the quantitative findings.

• Ethics: will make sure that our study is carried out ethically by gaining participants' informed consent, protecting the privacy of the data, and making sure that the participants are not injured in any way. Before starting the study, the report shall also get the appropriate institutional review board's ethical permission.
• Limitations: Because our study is cross-sectional, the researchers are unable to determine the relationship between lifestyle choices and both physical and mental health. Our sample will be selected from a specific geographic area, which may restrict the applicability of our results to other groups.

Overall, the study on the connection between lifestyle characteristics and physical and mental wellness will enable us to collect and analyse data rigorously and ethically thanks to the research design and sampling technique we used.

Conclusion

The goal of this study is to determine how lifestyle choices affect both physical and mental health. The study will offer a thorough knowledge of the intricate interactions between lifestyle determinants and outcomes for physical and mental well-being by utilising a mixed-method approach. Healthcare experts, politicians, and the general public will all be interested in the study's findings since they will offer insightful information about the significance of lifestyle variables in improving physical and mental health. The utilisation of both quantitative and qualitative data, which will enable a deeper examination of participants' experiences with lifestyle determinants and their effects on physical and mental wellness, is one of the study's strengths. The study's drawbacks include the use of self-reported data and the possibility of bias in selection due to the non-probability sampling technique. Overall, this research has the potential to aid in the creation of interventions and regulations that support both physical and mental well-being and encourage good lifestyle choices.

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