6 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health & Physical Health
Good physical and mental health is a must in our times but something many of us struggle to keep. Daily woes, stress, pressure, bad diets, lack of physical activity, and other lifestyle factors can really bring a toll on our well-being. The key to changing our mental and physical health lies in shifting our daily habits–and it’s not as challenging as it sounds. Research has shown that there are some particular things that we need to focus on, to improve both our mental and physical wellbeing.
So here are the best ways to take care of your mental and physical health:
1. Sleep adequately
According to the Sleep Foundation and the U.S National Library of Medicine, sleep is linked to overall health. Sleep is necessary for recovering the body cells during nighttime, and a quality sleep during these hours will help you feel more refreshed and renewed in the morning. On the contrary, inadequate and irregular sleep has been linked with tiredness, heart disease, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and many other health problems. Experts suggest sleeping at the same time every night for 7-8 hours (if you are an adult). If you are having trouble sleeping and following a regular sleeping pattern, try a mild herbal remedy e.g. chamomile, read a book, or listen to relaxing audio. Otherwise, if your sleeping issues persist, seek the help of an expert.
2. Manage your time properly
There is nothing more stressful and self-sabotaging than bad time management. According to Harvard’s Mclean medical school, proper time management and realistic goal setting are keys to better mental health. Good time management will free you both from stress and extra time, so you have spare time and energy to do something that you enjoy. It goes hand in hand with productivity and our ability to finish tasks adequately and faster, so we do not end up stressing and trying to turn things around at the last minute, often losing valuable energy and even our sleep in some cases.
3. Take care of your skin
Skin is an external organ that you better not ignore as it is a reflection of your overall health–and when your skin has problems, it is a sign that something is off in your body. For instance, according to studies, dry skin is linked to lack of proper hydration, while acne is linked to poor gut health4 and hormonal problems. But, taking care of your skin properly doesn’t mean you should just pile on a cream or a topical skin care product. You need to follow a more holistic approach for better results and take care of your skin from the inside out through proper hydration and clean diet habits. For more serious skin conditions, one could book a professional beauty and skin treatment from online platforms such as https://everhealthcareth.com/. Proper and holistic skincare will not only improve your appearance, but it will also boost your self-esteem and confidence too!
Aside from your skin, you should also take good care of your teeth says this trustworthy dentist in Decatur. Not only does your dental health contributes to your overall health, but white and strong teeth will also give you a smile that most people are dreaming of.
4. Exercise regularly
Regular exercise and physical activity are a must for our physical and mental wellbeing. Being physically fit can improve blood circulation, boost brain health, improve our ability to recall information, reduce the risk of heart problems, help with weight management, and improve physical energy and stamina to carry out demanding daily tasks5. Exercise also boosts longevity and mobility at a later age. Experts agree that to reap all these benefits, adults should engage in mild to vigorous physical activities at around 150 minutes (approx. 2 ½ hours) a week. Even 10 minutes of exercise daily will make a difference in how your body looks and feels.
5. Do some meditation
Meditation is an alternative yet widely popular remedy that has been practiced for thousands of years across many civilizations. It has been proven to help ease stress, calm a worrying mind, renew our perspective of things, and bring a sense of harmony and inner peace. If daily stress has brought you down to the point that you are chronically anxious, tired, or even depressed, the quickest and most simple way to deal with it is by doing some meditation. There is no need to do advanced yoga positions to benefit from meditation–simply adopt a comfortable lotus position or lie flat on a comfortable surface and close your eyes, shifting your focus on your breathing patterns and then opening your eyes to see the environment around you. Do this simple meditation technique for 10 minutes daily, and you’ll keep stress at bay.
6. Check your metabolism and diet habits
Diet is paramount when it comes to maintaining your overall health–lack of proper nutrition, obesity, and eating disorders have been linked with a wide host of health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, and even cancer. Your metabolism is also linked indirectly to your health as a sluggish metabolism will not only make you pile extra fat faster, it will make you feel sluggish and tired too. A healthy metabolism will boost your energy and your body’s ability to burn fat faster7, without resorting to extreme diets or exercise. So how can you kickstart your metabolism to your benefit? Simply by drinking plenty of water and healthy liquids, eating spicy foods, refraining from alcohol and substances, and exercising for at least 150 minutes a week. Also, it is wise to have a food diary with you and keep track of what you are eating and the calories of each food/drink, so you are not swaying away from your health and fitness goals.
