Even the healthiest person can have an off day. But being consistently unhealthy is a sign that something needs to change. Many people don’t realize how much their physical, mental and emotional well-being impacts their overall health and ability to function on a daily basis. The mind and body are inextricably linked – what you experience on the inside will always affect you on the outside. Stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns can negatively impact your physical health as well. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost half of all adults globally suffer from one or more chronic diseases; this number continues to rise with each passing year. In fact, WHO predicts that by 2030, stress, mental illness and disease combined will be responsible
Get To The Root of The Problem
Health problems don’t just happen overnight. They are often the result of many factors that have been building up over time. If you want to take control of your health and prevent future problems, you need to look at the big picture. Start by taking an honest inventory of your current lifestyle, diet and habits and then identify the areas that need improvement. Some things to consider when taking inventory of your life include: What kind of sleep are you getting? How much exercise do you get? What does your diet look like? What are the biggest stressors in your life? How do you manage those stressors? What does your social life look like? What does your work life look like? What does your financial life look like? What do you do for self-care? How do you manage your time?
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Studies show that people who exercise regularly experience less stress, lower blood pressure, improved sleep, increased energy, improved cognitive function and better immune system function. What’s not to love about that? Some great benefits of exercise include: Increased endorphin levels – Exercise releases chemicals in the brain called endorphins, which make you feel happier, less stressed and more relaxed. Exercise can help with depression, especially when paired with therapy or other mood-boosting activities. Exercise is also great for stress reduction. Regular exercise can help improve your sleep quality. Exercise can boost your energy levels, which makes it easier to get through your day. Exercise can improve your cognitive function and make it easier to focus. Exercise can improve your immune system function, helping you fight off diseases and stay healthy. Exercise can even help improve your metabolism and help you lose weight.
Eat A Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can have a huge impact on your health, both short- and long-term. Diets that are high in processed and refined foods can lead to weight gain, unhealthy blood sugar levels and cause your body to be less efficient at processing and eliminating toxins. Exercise alone will not make you healthy. You also need to make sure that you are eating the right foods – otherwise, all that exercise will be for nothing. Existing research points to a diet high in fibre, fruits and vegetables and low in added sugars and trans fats being the most effective for improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Different diets have proven benefits for specific health conditions, so you may want to consider consulting a nutritionist to create a diet plan that’s right for you.
Build Better Habits
Health is much more than just what you eat or how much you exercise. It’s also about what thoughts are going through your head and what emotions are running through your heart. The best way to manage your mental health is to create positive habits that promote mental well-being. Examine your current habits and identify the ones that could use some improving. Once you know what you would like to change, start implementing small changes into your daily routine. Too many people try to make too many changes at once and then get frustrated when they can’t follow through with all of their desires. If you make small changes over time, you’ll be more likely to stick with them and maintain them for the long-term.
Take Care of Your Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health – if not more so. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the importance of mental health care until they are already experiencing issues. This is especially true for people under the age of 25, who tend to put their mental health care on the backburner in favour of more pressing issues, like school, work and relationships. The best way to stay healthy mentally is to make sure you’re addressing the different aspects of your mental health on a regular basis. That might mean seeing a therapist, talking to a close friend or family member on a regular basis, practising self-care, or engaging in activities that help boost your mood and promote positive thoughts. If you want to stay healthy mentally, you need to stay on top of things. Mental health issues can be tricky to manage, so it’s important to get proactive.
Conclusion
Health comes first. If you are struggling with your mental health, don’t wait to address the problem. You don’t have to do it on your own. There are people out there who can help you overcome your challenges. So if you are worried that you might be experiencing depression, anxiety or another mental health issue, talk to someone right away. Asking for help shows strength, not weakness. The sooner you start treatment, the easier it will be to overcome your challenges and get back to living the healthy life you deserve.
