The importance of proper physical and mental well-being cannot be over-emphasised; with either of them suffering an imbalance, the whole body is affected.
To be the best versions of ourselves, our physical and mental health needs to be in harmony.
Health problems affecting the physical and well-being aspects are bound to interfere with the quality of life. Minor health complications such as headaches can elevate stress levels to unimaginable heights.
However, with a slight change in lifestyle, we can reap better overall health and live happier.
Taking care of yourself
If you seek longevity, proper physical and mental state is imperative. Various stress management therapies and programmes such as Livv Natural are essential. When your physical well-being is not functioning normally and you are mentally unstable, chances are that you will suffer significantly, adversely affecting your life. Your social and professional relations will also be disrupted, making life more challenging than it already is.
To avoid a deteriorating quality of life, below are some of the things you should consider integrating into your normal routine.
Personal hygiene
The road to fulfilment of both physical and mental needs starts with maintaining high standards of cleanliness and personal hygiene. Taking a shower every day and wearing presentable clothes is an unmatched confident booster. These levels of cleanliness should also be extended to your surrounding. Clear bushes and clean the compound thoroughly to keep pests, dirt, and debris away.
Get treatments for underlying problems
Failing to get treatment for underlying problems can be fatal. With a few minutes of research on the internet, you might come across health centres that offer free cancer screenings and blood pressure checks. Also, with the increase in health problems, governments are striving to make healthcare affordable to its citizen by offering biopsies, cancer treatments, dialysis, and any other related procedures at pocket-friendly prices.
In more rare conditions as is the case with Lyme disease, various private institutions are offering alternative ways of administering Lyme disease treatment.
In the case of mental problems, patients must make sure they take their medication religiously. The bottom line is that by getting proper treatment, the body heals or feels better, and it is the emotional satisfaction thereafter that significantly reduces stress levels.
Balanced diet is key
With every good deed, comes a reward. Of course, having that cute pair jean’s fit is encouraging. However, eating healthily has other more rewarding effects that touch on the overall physical and mental state of mind.
It is through a well-balanced diet that your body will function at optimum levels.
Various foods have different functions in the body. For instance, proteins are good for bodybuilding purposes. Vitamin c found in citrus fruits is instrumental in boosting immunity. Short-term effects of balanced diets include satiety. However, the long-term effects include a properly functioning body. Bodily organs are sure to work at maximum levels, improving longevity.
True to the words ‘A hungry man is an angry man.’ Food or the lack of thereof has a big impact on our overall health. Hunger triggers our bodies emotional stressors, which are detrimental to our mental health. This is also the case with unhealthy foods like sugar-packed goodies, fatty foods, and other consumables that are high in empty calories.
As such, keep reminding yourself of both the short and long-term effects of eating healthily. By doing so, you can easily stick to a healthy diet for the long haul.
Find a fitness routine
Fitness levels vary from one person to the next. And what works for one person might not work for others. As such, it is crucial to get a fitness routine that befits your lifestyle.
If you carrying around extra pounds, walking and simple cardio workouts might be all that is needed to kick start your quest for physical and mental wellness. For those that are already active, high-intensity interval training and strength-training exercises are better options at enhancing fitness levels.
As a person seeking to improve all the aspects of their lives, exercising is a vital part of the whole process. As such, you need not wait until you ‘feel like’ exercising. For instance, you can incorporate a morning workout routine.
If you are not a fan of workouts you can engage in other physical activities outside the home or gym. Look at some of the things you love doing and see which of them will produce massive results in terms of physical fitness.
Research has shown that exercises release a feel-good hormone known as dopamine, which is very effective at fighting stress hormones, thus uplifting overall moods.
Quality of sleep
Sleep plays an important role in determining the quality of life. Inadequate sleep tampers with a person’s everyday functioning. Less productivity levels, fatigue, and decreased responsiveness are some of the effects of lack of sleep.
So, it is crucial to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. To ensure you have quality sleep, some practices such as avoiding coffee in the evening, meditating before bedtime, and going to bed at the same time every day are important. Incorporating such practices into your daily routine allows for your mind to have adequate rest and your body to repair ensuring cell regeneration.
Avoid substance abuse
Drug and substance abuse is one of the most notorious causes of unhealthy living in people. These are harmful substances that can take a toll on the physical and mental well-being of its users.
Alcohol, cigarettes, cocaine, heroin, and bhang are some of the most commonly abused substances. Aging, rough skin, infertility, liver, and kidney failure are some of the effects these drugs have on the physical body. Most addicts are on a constant battle as they strive to keep up with the bodily urges for the drug, this can cause avoidable financial constraints that are stressful in the long run. Also, addicts might have strained personal and professional relationships, which inflict additional stresses to the mind.
The bottom line
These are some of the ways you can improve your physical and mental well-being. Strive to incorporate these practices into your lifestyle. That way, you live a richer and fuller life.
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Image credit: Freepik
Peter Wallace has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He holds a master’s degree in counselling from the University of Edinburgh.
