Well-being and health are bio-psycho-social matters, meaning that we can feel well-being in our bodies (bio), which is influenced by our psyche—self-esteem, confidence, worries—and by the context we're in, such as school, family, or leisure activities.
Many initiatives aimed at the well-being of children and young people focus on psycho-social approaches, which is great.
But we must not forget the biological aspect—the body. Well-being and mental health can be felt in the body; one might experience stomachaches, heart palpitations, nausea, poor sleep, shaking, headaches, and difficulty breathing.
What we experience leaves neurophysiological imprints in the body.
This is also called psychosomatics. We all know it. When we are facing something stressful, fun, or unfamiliar, we can feel it in our body. This is the autonomic nervous system kicking in—the sympathetic part. Our thoughts, senses, and memories can trigger a reaction in the amygdala (the small alarm center located on both sides deep in the brain within the limbic system). The amygdala triggers activity in the hypothalamus—a gland in the limbic system. The hypothalamus initiates the production of adrenaline, noradrenaline, and cortisol. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are felt in the body immediately; they raise heart rate, affect breathing, cause nausea and trembling, and make one feel the urge to urinate frequently. Cortisol isn't felt in the same way, but over time it has a harmful effect on the hippocampus (the Greek word for seahorse).
We can easily manage being on high alert for short periods; this is what the nervous system is designed for.
But if the nervous system is activated over a longer period, changes in the anatomy and physiology of the nervous system can be observed: the amygdala will grow, become more active and easily triggered, the hippocampus will function poorly and may shrink in the worst case, and blood flow to the frontal lobes and gastrointestinal system will decrease—leading to poorer memory, reduced ability to manage tasks, and stomach pain.
These are the biological consequences of poor well-being.
Through physical activity, touch, and breathing exercises, we can influence the conditions for well-being and rehabilitate a worn-out and exhausted nervous system. Physical activity releases BDNF, which helps the hippocampus grow.
Physical activity also releases the neurotransmitters endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which lift the mood.
Touch releases oxytocin, serotonin, and endocannabinoids, which calm the nervous system and activate the rest and digest system—parasympathetic nervous system.
Controlled breathing shifts the nervous system from alarm mode (sympathetic) to rest and digest mode (parasympathetic).
Physical activity, touch, and breathing exercises are thus key elements in the physiotherapy and occupational therapy approaches to helping children and young people achieve better well-being.
