4 Ways To Maintain Your Physical And Mental Health

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Although many people want to live a healthier lifestyle, it can often be overwhelming to find where to start. Here are four ways that you can maintain both your physical and mental health.

1. Eat Well

Eating a nutritious diet is probably one of the first things that comes to mind when you think about living a healthier lifestyle. Be sure to eat a diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fiber, and stay away from foods high in saturated fat, sugar and salt. Considering that only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy, it’s important that you watch what you put into your body. Metabolic health is defined as having ideal levels of blood pressure, HDL cholesterol, blood sugar and triglycerides without the use of medications. This measure can predict your risk for developing heart disease, diabetes and stroke later on in life. Therefore, maintaining a healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing disease.

Don’t forget that beverages can also have a big impact on your overall well-being. Consider switching out drinks filled with sugar, empty calories and artificial sweeteners for a refreshing smoothie or coconut water. If you want to ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients, you can also add a supplement to your daily regimen. Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D and probiotics have been scientifically shown to support overall health.

2. Exercise

You’ve probably heard it before, but exercising is one of the best ways to keep your mind and body healthy. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals that have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve sleep quality. Exercising is also a great way to get some fresh air and immerse yourself in nature, which can decrease stress and improve your appreciation for life.

It’s important to not push yourself too hard at first, as a more intense workout doesn’t always equate to greater health benefits. Lower-intensity workouts such as yoga or a brisk walk can still provide you with many advantages. Try aiming for 30 minutes of exercise a day, and recruit a family member or friend to exercise with you if you’re having trouble motivating yourself. Not only can they make exercising more fun, but they can also hold you accountable for keeping up your routine.

3. Take a Break From Technology

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Although it can be tempting to catch up on the latest episode of your favorite show or scroll through your Instagram feed, spending too much time on your devices can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that simply taking a 30-minute break from technology can boost productivity, reduce stress and allow you to connect with others on a deeper level.

If you’re finding it difficult to reduce your screen time, start off with a five-minute break and increase it by five minutes each day. You can also keep your phone or laptop out of your bedroom before bed, as this can reduce your temptation to surf the Internet late at night. Setting boundaries for yourself can help you take back control of your life, and you may be surprised by the areas of life you’re missing out on.

4. Write in a Journal

Although you may think that writing in a journal is a juvenile activity, it can actually be a great way to process your emotions after a long and stresssful day. Journaling has been shown to clear the mind, reduce stress and allow individuals to let go of negative thoughts that may keep them up at night.

The good news is that there are no rules when it comes to journaling. Simply taking five to 10 minutes out of your day to write down what’s been weighing on your mind is enough to benefit your overall well-being.

Living a healthier lifestyle doesn’t have to be complicated if you start by taking small steps. Following these four tips can help you on your journey towards a more fulfilling lifestyle.