Poor mental health is a major public health concern across the globe. According to the World Health Organization 2020 report, more than 264 million people suffer from depression worldwide. Good mental health is important for an individual to lead a fulfilling life. It is, therefore, essential to lead a healthy lifestyle for both physical and mental well-being.
There are several therapies that can help in improving an individual’s overall well-being. For instance: NAD IV therapy is one of the many IV treatment options that stimulate cell regeneration in the body. That said, it is advisable to consult a professional before making drastic changes. If you are not feeling your best, consult a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis. While habit change and lifestyle improvement can show positive results, they should not be replaced with professional treatment.
Several lifestyle changes can be incorporated to improve your physical and mental health. This article explores certain habits that should be incorporated into your lifestyle for overall wellbeing.
Get Active:
Physical activity helps maintain the body’s physical health, and studies have shown regular exercise also improves mental well-being. Engaging in any kind of physical activity for 20 minutes causes your body to produce endorphins, reducing anxiety and depression and improving mood, self-esteem, and cognitive function. Moreover, exercise can prevent medical conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. You can start with low-impact exercises and gradually build your resistance, or you can choose yoga for a wholesome experience. There are other alternatives like speed walking, hiking or jogging as well.
Eat Healthily:
A healthy diet typically includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and nuts. In cases of poor mental health, individuals might be recommended a diet low in refined sugar. A healthy amount of Vitamin C, B-Complex Vitamins, and Vitamin B is also important for better cognitive functioning and physical fitness.
Consistent sleep and rest:
Appropriate hours of rest and quality of sleep are vital for the body. It helps rejuvenate the body and greatly impacts emotions, memory and critical thinking abilities. Sleep patterns are also indicative of underlying mental health problems. Irregularities in sleeping patterns, trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much are some early signs of depression. A consistent sleeping schedule has also shown a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Stay Hydrated:
Drinking enough water can help manage the symptoms of depression and is crucial for overall health. Cells also perform better, which helps the body to remain invigorated throughout the day. Proper hydration is crucial to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.
Mindfulness:
Mindfulness can simply be translated to “self awareness.” It is the process of focusing the mind and body on current surroundings, providing the insight to observe and understand negative feelings from a distance. As a practice, it can help relieve stress, improve sleep, and reduce chronic pain, blood pressure and symptoms of heart disease. Studies have also shown that it can change the way the brain functions. Activities such as meditation and yoga increase the number of signaling connections in the brain and provide better control over processing pain and emotions.
Explore New Habits:
A strict routine risks falling into stagnant cycles leading to boredom and disinterest. Including hobbies and activities add a fresh experience to our daily routine. Exploring new hobbies or meeting new people improves our social well-being, drastically impacting our emotions and perception of ourselves. Learning new skills also improves brain functioning.
Final Thoughts:
You might experience feelings of isolation and helplessness if you have a mental health problem. Finding a reliable support system is crucial because managing one of these conditions can be difficult. A healthy lifestyle is crucial for preventing and recovering from mental health problems.
