Finding ways to balance physical and mental health can be challenging, but it is necessary for anyone looking to maintain an active and productive lifestyle. There are several simple ways to bolster your physical and mental well-being and allow us to achieve harmony between mental and physical health when done consistently.
1. Establish a self-care routine
Establishing an individualized self-care routine is essential to unlocking physical and mental well-being. It may seem initially inconvenient, but setting aside time daily for self-care can improve your overall quality of life and well-being.
Self-care can be any activity that helps you relax, recharge, and reflect. Whether you find yourself jumping back into your new favorite book, taking a nap, heading out for a walk, or working on a journal, setting aside time each day for self-care helps reduce stress, increase productivity, and maintain overall emotional balance.
2. Focus on Healthy Foods
What we eat can negatively impact our mental and physical health. Spinach, broccoli, kale, and brussels sprouts contain anti-inflammatory properties, while fatty fish, dark chocolate, almonds, and turmeric can strengthen cognitive functioning or better overall moods. A balanced diet keeps us energized throughout the day and supports our well-being. You can supplement your diet with antioxidants such as vitamins C, E, A, and glutathione.
Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and tripeptide protein naturally produced by the body. Natural glutathione production drops as we age, and our bodies need supplementation to maintain healthy levels. So, how does glutathione work within your system? It protects your body from toxins, free radicals, and harmful substances in the environment or our bodies due to our metabolic processes.
3. Exercise regularly
Physical activity releases endorphins that can help elevate your mood, reduce stress, improve sleep quality, boost energy levels, and more. Finding activities you genuinely enjoy is an excellent way to ensure you stick with your chosen activity. The best exercises are those we have fun with and enjoy doing.
Regular exercise also helps improve memory and concentration by increasing blood flow to the brain and can also relieve symptoms of chronic conditions by encouraging healthy habits like eating right and sleeping well.
4. Create and maintain healthy boundaries
Creating boundaries separating our work and personal lives is essential. Create specific windows of time you are willing to work while at home. Establish healthy boundaries with colleagues or friends who may require more time and support.
The best way to set healthy boundaries is by informing the person of your boundaries and how they affect them. Communicate with friends and family to ensure they feel respected and avoid future conflict or confusion.
5. Connect with others
Humans are social creatures, and connecting with others helps us remain emotionally balanced by providing an outlet for positive emotions like joy or excitement. We need relationships to thrive, even if it is complicated due to social distancing measures during the pandemic.
Many of us have been guilty of relying on texting, emailing, and DMing our friends and family members instead of calling them. These methods, while convenient, can also come across as impersonal. Try calling your friends and family regularly to maintain these valuable bonds. It will take up little time, bridging a gap between the people who matter the most.
Last Words
Taking care of ourselves requires effort and dedication, but the rewards are plentiful. Establish a self-care routine by following a healthy diet and exercising regularly, and strike an equilibrium between keeping in contact with your loved ones and maintaining healthy boundaries.
