Guest post courtesy of Emily Burton
There is a clear link between mental and physical health. In fact, many illnesses of a physical nature are exacerbated because of poor mental health. For instance, diseases such as cancer and high blood pressure are impacted by the state of a person’s mental health. It’s been proven that poor mental health can negatively affect treatment for these conditions and many others. Subsequently, it’s imperative to do anything and everything within your power to maintain good mental and physical health. This can boost your quality of life and increase your longevity of life. Let’s take a look at keys to wellness that impact both of these areas.
Reducing Stress
Let’s face it, we live in a stressful world where there always seems to be a lot going on. Whether it is school, work or taking care of a family, the pressures of daily life can often lead to stress. Unfortunately, stress is also linked to depression and anxiety that can cause illness. Sometimes stress can lead to serious illness, such as heart disease. It can also negatively affect other areas of your life, such as relationships, both personal and professional. While some stress is to be expected, it must be addressed if it becomes consistent. A great way to lower stress and improve your physical health is by exercising on a daily basis. This doesn’t have to be vigorous exercise. In fact, going for short daily walks is sufficient.
Choosing to Eat Healthy
We all enjoyed pizza and burgers from time to time. While that’s perfectly fine, it is important to focus on mindful eating. Enjoying junk food on the weekends or periodically throughout the week can be okay, but be mindful of how your body feels when you eat. Your body needs proper nutrients to thrive. This includes fruits, vegetables and lean protein. It also includes complex carbohydrates. Ensuring you maintain a healthy feeling in your body not only helps you mentally by lifting your mood, but also keeps you safe from the real bacteria which may be harmful to your physical and mental health. Which kind of diet is best for you is a decision that should be made by you and how you feel. Focus on being mindful of the food you eat, the effect it has on your body, and stick to the things that you know help you feel good.
Prioritizing Your Sleep
If you think you’re too busy to get enough sleep it’s time to reprioritize your schedule. This is because the amount of sleep you get on a daily basis can make a significant difference in your quality of life. This includes your mental and physical state. Most people need somewhere between seven and nine hours of sleep every night. When this happens, your body is able to restore itself and function as it should. On the other hand, failing to get a sufficient amount of sleep can be mentally and physically harmful. A latex mattress can help you get the quality and amount of sleep you need. In fact, a good mattress is more important than most people realize.
Increasing Physical Activity
As previously mentioned, walking is beneficial for your overall health and wellness. There are other activities that you can integrate into your daily routine for improved mental and physical health. For instance, weight training is an example of an activity that’s beneficial for your overall wellness. It also improves your muscle tone. It’s often best to choose an activity that you enjoy, such as playing sports with family and friends. This is a way to improve your mental health because it enables you to build relationships, which is an important part of overall wellness.
Conclusion
These are all relatively easy ways to optimize your health. Always keep in mind that your mental and physical health should be a priority because without it you are unable to help yourself or anyone else in your life. It should even be a priority above work, which means you should take vacations annually and enjoy your weekends thoroughly.
Did you enjoy this wellness post? Do you currently use any of these tips? I know I do.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. What are you doing to improve your mental and physical health daily? What other tips would you add?
Don’t forget to pin and share this post with a friend.
Pin Me!
