Physical health often takes center stage in our pursuit of wellness. We hit the gym, track our steps and optimize our nutrition in the name of maintaining a healthy body.

These are all worthy goals. But there's another important side of the wellness equation that is often overlooked or minimized − mental health. It's time we integrate mental and emotional health into the broader wellness picture.

In August, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that "recent data show that the United States is in a mental health crisis, experienced by people of all ages," including 1 in 5 Americans who report symptoms of anxiety and depression.

The focus on physical well-being is understandable. But just as our physical health requires consistent care, our mental health deserves equal attention. In today's fast-paced, pressure-filled world, it's more important than ever to integrate emotional well-being into the broader wellness conversation.

The frantic pace of the current news cycle − with frequent updates on natural disasters, economic uncertainty, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the new Trump administration and the political turmoil in Washington − also is a prime driver of Americans' anxiety. In fact, the American Psychological Association reported last year that politics was the leading cause of stress in the United States.

Just as our muscles grow through repetition and effort, our mental resilience and emotional strength thrive on regular care. As the saying goes, "We are what we repeatedly do." And just as we form fitness habits, we must adopt practices that nurture our minds − habits that build mental resilience and contribute to........

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