Your physical and mental health are inextricably intertwined. If one is off balance, the other is likely to be as well. It’s important to look after both sides so you can be your happiest and healthiest self.
Small lifestyle changes can make a huge difference to your mental and physical health. However, it’s difficult to find the time to manage a hectic career and personal life. You have to find the time for yourself and think of health as a form of self-care. You could get up earlier to fit in a workout or incorporate meditation into your bedtime routine.
One in five adults has a mental illness – from depression to a personality disorder. Mental illness can drastically impact your life and make it difficult to look after your physical health. On the other hand, if you experience a physical injury or illness, you are likely to experience mental illness. For example, if you have experienced medical negligence, you might later suffer from PTSD or depression.
You can maintain a balance between the two elements of your health through these lifestyle changes.
Exercise Regularly
Most people know exercise is good for our physical health. Different types of exercise can improve different areas of your physical health. Running improves your cardiovascular health, while weight training makes you stronger. However, you might not know that exercise also keeps the brain healthy and releases feel-good chemicals, like endorphins. Exercise can ease the effects of depression and anxiety and improve your mental state. You could hit the gym or take a brisk ten-minute walk to get your blood pumping faster.
Eat A Balanced Diet
Fatty processed foods provide little nutrition for your body and make you feel sluggish. On the other hand, skipping meals can also lead to tiredness and future binge eating. You need to find a healthy diet that nourishes your body with healthy vitamins and nutrients. If you start to veer towards unhealthy eating patterns, your mental health may be dipping. Load up on plenty of delicious healthy foods and stay away from processed items.
Maintain A Sleep Schedule
Finally, sleep is essential. Sleep can drastically impact your mental health, especially if you are struggling to fall asleep. Try lowering your caffeine intake before bed, and set a strict sleep schedule. Your body uses this time to rest and recover.
Your mental and physical health rely on one another. Make your lifestyle a little healthier so you can feel better on the inside and out.