"A healthy body, a healthy mind!" – Slow down and recharge your batteries in Veszprém and the surrounding region

Veszprém and the Bakony-Balaton region have been awarded the title of European Region of Sport 2026, which is why almost everything this year is about sport. However, in addition to physical activity, it is important not to forget about our mental and spiritual health. We asked Nóra Méhes, mental trainer and sports coach, about the importance of this topic, and we also recommend specific programs in addition to practical tips.

The original saying, which originated from the Roman poet Juvenal, became part of the Athenians' outlook on life, originally emphasizing that, in addition to physical training, at least as much attention should be paid to intellectual development, which is why philosophical education was so emphasized at the time. The essence was therefore already clear in ancient times: the body and the soul cannot be treated separately from each other. Nowadays, we often think that if we take care of our bodies, we will become more beautiful, better, and healthier, and we will live longer. However, we tend to overdo it, which damages our health in the long run. The Hungarian word egészség (health - 'being whole' in a literal translation) perfectly sums up the expression "Healthy body, healthy mind": we need to look at things as a whole, rather than breaking them down into details.

If our mental balance is disrupted, we will feel it. If we are in a stressful situation for too long, our body cannot keep up with the constant balancing act and starts to send us signals. It does this in a very creative way, sending small signals at first. If we ignore these signals and no changes are made, our body will let us know in increasingly stronger and more varied ways that we are not heading in the right direction. There is a saying: if your nose is running, your body needs rest; if your eyes are watering, your soul needs rest.

In this case, our immune system cannot function properly, we are more susceptible to various illnesses and symptoms such as headaches, joint pain, fatigue, or stomach problems. In fact, prolonged stress can cause allergies and autoimmune diseases, or even lead to more serious illnesses.

The most important thing is not to think in terms of world-changing, huge changes. Our bodies appreciate the attention we give them: if we make sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day, spend more time outdoors, avoid using our phones during meals, spend quality time with our family and friends, and engage in activities that are truly important to us, such as going to the movies, theater, reading, or even a hobby. Our physical health does not always begin at the gym. 

The new year always provides a good opportunity for change and transformation, as it offers a starting point from which we can relaunch our system. However, it is important to emphasize that we can decide and do this any day of the week. On a Tuesday evening, we can decide to turn on some music during dinner, or we can start a day of fasting by getting up earlier so that we can get our daily exercise in with our morning walk. A resolution only makes sense if it brings success and can motivate us. That is why it is worth choosing small resolutions that do not involve drastic changes, but still present a challenge.

For example, let's get off one stop before our destination (even in the rain), so we can get some exercise before work or school. Make one meal a day consist only of vegetables and try out new, healthy recipes. Experiment with different relaxation techniques and pay attention to your body to see which ones work best for you. Set specific and measurable goals for yourself that are achievable. It is also important that the goal can be achieved with only small changes in your habits, because it is easier to climb a ladder step by step than to take a giant leap, which may cause you to fall back and hurt yourself. Set a deadline, take small steps, and don't be discouraged if you break your promise for a moment and make a mistake. Be patient with yourself, try again, and don't give up. It is important that, in addition to exercise, rest also plays a key role, as regeneration is just as important for the body and mind as nutrition and exercise.

Wine cellar source: Unsplash / Daniel Frank