It's been said that health is wealth, though it's often something that's overlooked as we juggle our everyday lives. Putting self-care at the forefront of your daily routine can improve both your physical and mental health.
Physically, regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep do wonders for our bodies. Exercise improves heart health and our stamina. It churns out "happy chemicals" called endorphins – the body's natural painkiller – boosting our mood and reducing stress.
Eating the right foods gives us energy and helps our bodies function properly. When we eat a diet full of varied, nutritious foods, it helps prevent long-term illnesses, improves digestion, and makes our skin healthier. Sleep is essential as it gives your body time to repair and restore itself. Getting good sleep on a regular basis helps to strengthen our immune system, improve brain health, maintain a healthy weight, and regulate our moods.
When it comes to your mental health, taking care of yourself can keep anxiety and depression at bay. Regular activities like biking, lifting weights, or swimming go beyond taking care of your body; they can also help you deal with stressful situations by keeping your mind busy. Eating healthy food and getting enough sleep can boost your memory and thinking skills, leading to improved mental health. Staying socially connected, whether it's grabbing coffee with a friend, video chatting with loved ones, or having deep conversations, can make us feel part of a community.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Connection-Between-Self-Care-and-Mental-Health
Knowing the importance of self-care is one thing, but how do you practice it? Recognizing that your self-care routine includes getting plenty of exercise and quality sleep, eating a balanced diet, and staying connected with others, it often helps to break it down piece by piece.
Exercising Regularly:
Whether you're just starting out or already a jogging enthusiast, consider using different muscles and varying your workout to prevent boredom and burnout. You can mix up cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises for a balanced regimen.
If you find it hard to fit a substantial block of exercise time into your day, you can try breaking it up into smaller chunks instead. For example, a brisk 15-minute walk in the morning and another in the evening is still effective.
But it's important not to overdo it; stay in tune with your body to avoid overexertion. Rest days are a crucial part of an effective workout plan. You deserve them.
Eating Well:
While eating well can look different from one person to another, planning your meals ahead of time can ensure you get a balanced diet. Schedule meals and snacks throughout the day to avoid hunger spikes and ensure that you eat the right amounts of the right foods.
Where possible, try to limit processed foods. Although they're easy to grab on-the-go, prepared or boxed meals are often high in sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. When you do have time, make an effort to have wholefoods to enjoy the benefits of natural nutrients. Wholefoods are foods that contain no artificial additives and haven't been excessively refined or processed.
Eating well includes not just what you're eating, but how you're eating. Practice mindful eating by paying attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you're truly hungry, rather than due to stress or boredom. Slow down and savour your food.
Rest:
By keeping a regular sleep schedule, your body can settle into a rhythm of waking and sleeping. Start by setting a bedtime routine; this signals to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for sleep. This can include activities such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation.
Creating a peaceful place for sleep is another key factor. Make sure your sleeping environment is calming and conducive to rest. A cool, dark, and quiet room can make a big difference in improving the quality of your sleep.
While you're making changes to your sleep routine, keep an eye out for sleep deterrents. Consuming caffeinated drinks or using devices with bright screens close to bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep. Other sleep deterrents include loud noises, late-night workout sessions, and the use of substances like alcohol or nicotine. Keep in mind that while alcohol might make you feel sleepy at first, it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.
Socialize:
Staying social can come in all kinds of forms, not just chatting with friends on a night out. Consider volunteering as a way to stay connected. Choose a cause that you feel passionate about and dedicate a part of your time to it. It's a rewarding way to give back to the community while improving your emotional health.
If you're looking to expand your social circle, try finding a club or a group that shares your interests. This can lead to forming new and valuable relationships, while at the same time letting you engage in what you love. No matter where you are, with online platforms like Zoom, Discord, and other social media apps, keeping in touch is simpler than ever. Try making use of these apps to reach a broader network of people and maintain relationships.
All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2024. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Connection-Between-Self-Care-and-Mental-Health
