Being in control of one’s life is perhaps the most important ingredient to living a happy and healthy life. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. Mental health and physical health is important at every stage of our lives, be it childhood, adolescence, adulthood or old age. We often think of our mind and body as separate, but the truth is, they are interrelated. Physical health problems significantly increase our risk of developing mental health problems, and vice versa. It’s very important to pay attention to both our physical and mental health, as this can help us achieve overall health and wellness.

Daily Simple Activities To Boost Mental And Physical Health!

Fortunately, there are plenty of things that we can do on a daily basis that can have a big impact. Follow these simple tips to elevate mental and physical health to enjoy life better.

Eat Healthy

Just like the other organs in our body, our brain too needs nutrients to stay healthy and function well. There is a strong connection between what we eat and how we feel. Try to eat a balanced diet as certain mineral deficiencies, such as iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies, can give us a low mood. Eating healthy always refers to having a healthy attitude toward food. Enjoy what you eat, try new foods and try not to obsess over food.

Exercise Every Day

Apart from the physical benefits, exercise has a significant effect on your emotional health and well-being. Daily workouts will help avoid unwanted weight gain, help stay in good shape, and lower risk of numerous health issues. Get your heart rate up for a few good minutes and stimulate the muscles to see incredible changes, both physically and mentally. Regular exercise helps to produce endorphins, a feel good chemical. Make it a point to be physically active for at least thirty minutes a day.

 

Avoid Smoking, Alcohol And Drugs

The above three will do more harm than good in the long run. Excessive drinking and smoking can cause harm which has a direct impact on mental health and physical health. Excessive drinking for prolonged periods can leave you with a thiamine deficiency that can lead to severe memory problems, confusion and coordination problems. Always keep in mind to use them in moderation. Addiction to drugs can impair or even destroy the “happiness” receptors. Say no to drug use as it leads to mental disorders.

Stay Connected

It’s important to have strong, healthy relationships with family and friends as they can help you deal with the stresses of life. Staying connected is important not just for your self-esteem, but also for providing support when you’re not feeling too great. Besides connecting with family and friends, try to get involved with your community or neighborhood. Phone calls and social networks have their place, but there’s nothing better than catching up with someone face-to-face.

Keep Active

Being active not only gives you a sense of achievement but also releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. Regular activities can have a positive impact on your mental health and physical health. Keep yourself active at work by taking a short walk or climbing stairs. Activeness helps eliminate low mood, reduces stress, increases alertness and alleviates symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Get Enough Sleep

One of the most important tips for mental health is to get enough sleep. Sleep regulates the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our emotions and mood. If we don’t get enough sleep, we can start to feel dysfunctional or stressed out. For better sleep, put away your gadgets one hour before you go to bed.

Reduce Salt And Sugar Intake

Reduce your salt intake to about one teaspoon per day and sugar to less than 10% of total energy intake. Prepare meals with less salt, avoid salty snacks and choose low-sodium products. Your sugar intake can be reduced by limiting the consumption of sugary snacks, candies and sugar-sweetened beverages. Using these two ingredients wisely helps in weight management and reduces risks of chronic diseases, which in turn will help you lead a healthier life.

Regular Health Check-Ups

Prevention is always better than cure. Regular health check-ups can help identify health problems before they start. Diagnosis at an early stage gives a better chance of fighting the disease off without any complication. This will help to reduce the frustration you feel from various sources, to manage your emotions better and keep your mind at peace.

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De-stress Sessions

Apart from meditation and breathing exercises, there are plenty of other simple ways to reduce stress. Try listening to soothing music, reading a good book, soaking in a hot tub or playing with your pet can help you relax. Doing something you enjoy for a few minutes can go a long way toward beating the stressors of everyday life. Relaxation response releases body chemicals that relieve stress and may improve immune function.

Ask For Help

Everyone goes through rough patches. But it’s important to recognize when you’re not feeling good. If things are getting too much and unable to cope; then ask for help. There’s nothing to be ashamed of in asking someone for support if you’re feeling low or stressed. Asking for help is a sign of strength; do not consider it as weakness. Help could be from a family member, friend, counsellor, primary care doctor, or mental health professional.

 

People who are physically and mentally strong have the ability to cope with difficult situations and maintain a positive outlook in life. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try these tips for mental health and physical health and please write down the ones that helped you in the comment box below.