I think for the most part when people think of “being healthy” they are thinking more about their physical health.
Now, don’t get me wrong. Being physically healthy is extremely important, and if you are sick, it affects other aspects of your life.
However, “being healthy” also includes your mental health (i.e., thoughts, feelings, etc.)
Your physical health and mental health are indeed two sides of the same coin.
If one is lacking, it can directly affect the other and vice versa.
Sometimes in times of extreme stress, anxiousness, or just an all-around hectic life, you might forget to take care of your basic needs as well as your mental health.
So, here are seven tips for living a healthier life in both mind and body.
TIP #1: EAT NUTRITIOUS MEALS
As I mentioned, your mental health can be impacted by your physical health.
Eating nutritious meals is extremely important for your body to function correctly and efficiently.
Now, I’m not saying not to #treatyoself because sometimes cereal for dinner can be the best thing ever. However, I like to counter my treats with something better for me.
“Better” can be subject and what works for me might not work for you, so it’s important to consult with a medical doctor or do research to understand what foods are the most nutritious and healthy for your body.
For example, if I have an Eggo with peanut butter as a morning snack (I mean Eggos and PB are bomb and quick), then I will make sure to maybe have an egg white omelet with spinach and tomatoes to get protein and vitamins.
TIP #2: DRINK MORE WATER
Another essential aspect of a healthy life is staying hydrated!!
Since our bodies are made up of about 60% of water staying hydrated is essential.
The Mayo Clinic recommends about eight glasses of 8 ounces of water a day to replenish our bodies of the water we lose.
Stay hydrated helps to get rid of waste from our bodies, keep our temperature regular, it lubricates and cushions our joints, and protects sensitive tissues as well as keeping our skin plump.
A tip that a friend shared with me once is that when I have a moment of “boredom” or where I am feeling stressed or anxious to just take a sip of water. Sometimes just that act is enough to give me a little relief from whatever I am feeling.
TIP #3: EXERCISE
Exercise has both physical and mental benefits and can improve your overall health.
Some health benefits from regular exercise include improved sleep, better endurance, stress relief, improvement in mood, increased energy and stamina, reduced tiredness that can increase mental alertness, weight reduction, and reduced cholesterol and improved cardiovascular fitness.
Since exercise increases blood circulation, this increased blood flow to the brain can release endorphins which improves mood and influences our hippocampus, amygdala, and even our limbic system.
Granted, not everyone has the ability to exercise or might have a previous health issue or disability that can make it difficult. However, exercise comes in many different forms.
Exercise can be weight training, stretching/yoga, cardio (like walking, running, or cycling), dancing, or even water aerobics.
Even just a brisk 30 minute walk a day (or three 10 minute walks) can benefit your physical and mental health.
TIP #4: PRACTICE SELF-CARE
Self-care is something I have mentioned before, and it is something I will continue to mention.
Self-care is the line of defense between you and burn out and is so important.
However, until a few years ago I had never even heard of the term “Self-care.” If this is something you aren’t very aware of either, then let’s break it down!
Self-care is an activity you do to take care of your own mental, emotional, and physical health.
It is NOT something you have to force yourself to do or something that you don’t enjoy doing.
Self-care is “something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.”
Some of the tips listed in this blog are things that I (and others) practice as part of their own self-care and can coincide with each other. So, if you aren’t quite sure what to do try some of these things out as your self-care activities.
TIP #5: PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness – another one of those words I like to throw around.
In short, mindfulness is the art of being self-aware. I say art because it is something that can require practice.
You might be thinking “Uh, how could someone not be mindful? If I’m awake, then I am aware of myself.”
This is true and not true. Being mindful means being present in the moment and aware as well as accepting of your feelings, thoughts, actions, and even bodily sensations.
Have you ever just snapped at someone? Like out of nowhere you just kind of blew up at them without any real cause?
I know I have, and maybe a few hours later I could figure out why I reacted that way whether I was just hangry (angry because I was hungry) or just because I was having a crap day.
However, after practicing mindfulness, I can understand my reaction almost immediately and remedy the situation if necessary.
Being mindful is really important and can prove very useful especially in regards to self-care.
If you aren’t aware of yourself and what you need, then you might not practice self-care and recharge yourself.
TIP #6: DON’T JUST SURVIVE, BUT THRIVE
One of the most profound things I learned from a past supervisor is that there is a difference between living (or merely surviving) and LIVING (as in THRIVING).
Sometimes it can just be easier to go through the motions.
“Let me just get through today.”
Hey, sometimes just getting through the day is all you can ask for, but after a while, that can start to wear you down.
If you don’t make time to do things you love and enjoy. The things that bring joy into your life than are you truly living?
Don’t just survive, but thrive!
TIP #7: STAY CONNECTED
Last but certainly not least, stay connected!
Life is hard and can really get you down.
When you feel down, you might just want to be alone and begin to isolate yourself.
Time with yourself is crucial, but not when it’s destructive or self-defeating.
As humans, one of our basic needs is the feeling of connectedness.
The feeling of belonging and acceptance. So, it is important to stay connected to your loved ones and to yourself.
Even when life gets you down, sometimes you just need a hand from a friend to lift you back up.
Even if that friend is yourself!
This was written by Kendal Gerrity, M.S. She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Metamorphosis Therapeutic Counseling, LLC. She offers individual, family, and group counseling. Contact her today for a free phone consultation.
(256) 631-7898 E-mail: mtc@kendalgerrity.com
Kendal Gerrity, LMFT is not a medical doctor and you should seek medical advice from your doctor to better understand your diet and exercise choices.
Information involved in this blog was pulled from The Mayo Clinic and research articles from the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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