According to a study: What our hands can reveal about our mental state

The strength of our hands is important for various aspects of our health – it helps us when we exercise, but also in everyday life, for example, when we lift things or open bottles. A study has now shown that this so-called grip strength even has a connection to our mental health and our risk of mental illness.

Study on grip strength, cardiovascular system and psyche

For the study, British researchers examined the links between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), the health of our cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and grip strength – and also examined anxiety disorders and depression. They used data from the UK Biobank, a large-scale study of more than 500,000 people between the ages of 40 and 69 in Great Britain.

After analyzing the data, the research team found that low or moderate CRF, or cardiorespiratory fitness, was associated with a significantly higher risk of depression and anxiety disorders. People with low or moderate grip strength also showed this increased risk of mental illness. And people with both low CRF and poor grip strength had an even greater risk of both mental illnesses.

Physical fitness is important – also for mental health

The study authors explain: "These results clearly demonstrate the importance of considering multiple components of fitness and linking them to mental health." Physical fitness can be an "objectively measurable indicator and a modifiable risk factor" for mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders and depression.

In principle, it should come as no surprise that physical fitness has a positive effect on our mental health – various studies have shown this. However, the specific connection between our psyche and grip strength is particularly interesting.

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Getting sufficient and regular exercise is important for our overall health. Those who incorporate sufficient activity into their daily routine have a lower risk of various diseases and a longer life expectancy .

But the fact that we shouldn't neglect our grip strength in addition to our general fitness is something we should also incorporate into our exercise routine. Strengthening exercises could include squeezing a tennis ball or doing pull-ups. This gives us the best chance of staying physically and mentally fit as we age.

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