Are you looking for a healthier you this year? Health isn’t just about how you look and feel physically. It also has to do with how you feel, mentally and physically. Here’s how to eat, sleep and go about your day with less stress and a healthier outlook. Here are five tips to a healthier you.
- Diet and Exercise Are Important
Diet and exercise are the first things that come to mind when you think about physical health, but they also play a role in mental and overall health. What you eat has an impact on your energy levels and how your gut feels. Eating a well balanced diet can make you happier and healthier.
Your gut is a great example of how food plays a role in mental health. Your gut produces neurochemicals that are used by your brain to regulate physical and mental processes like mood and memory. Your gut bacteria create about 95 percent of the body’s serotonin for instance.
Exercise also plays a role. Those who exercise regularly are less likely to be depressed. Exercise also gives you more energy. If you don’t feel you have time for a regular exercise routine, even going on a walk on your lunch break can have a significant positive impact on your mental health.
- Experiment with Essential Oils
Essential oils have shown to be a natural remedy for many ailments, from headaches to insomnia. Essential oil based products are natural, and shouldn’t have harsh chemicals in them, which makes them better for your skin and body. Using essential oil based products on your skin can leave you with a glow that will make your skin happy and healthy.
Young Living Essential Oils is a great example of products that are good for you and the world. To celebrate Essential Oils Day by planting trees, planting botanicals and providing service to the community. These high quality products can leave you feeling good, give you a glow and you’ll know you’re helping make the world a better place.
- Take Time for You
Another way to feel happier and healthier is to make time for you. This can be extremely challenging in today’s fast-paced world but it’s very important. This doesn’t just mean spending time alone though.
Though alone time can be important, take the time to practice meditation, breathing exercises or mindfulness. Taking the time to breathe deeply and clear your head, with intention, can do your mental health wonders. Even if it’s just five minutes a day, get in the habit of developing this practice.
There are other ways to practice breathing and meditation, if sitting still isn’t your ideal. Yoga is a great way to get in touch with your breath. Some people even take solace in running or walking as a meditative exercise. You’d be surprised at how a long run or walk can clear your mind and leave you feeling lighter.
- Sleep Well
Sleep is another important aspect of mental health. Sleep impacts everything from how you look to how well you process thoughts. It’s not just about the amount of sleep you’re getting either. The quality of your sleep is important.
Even when you sleep a long time, you might wake up feeling exhausted. This could be because you’re not spending enough time in deep and REM sleep cycles. Your body needs these restorative sleep cycles to get your brain and body ready for the next day.
How can you make sure you’re getting good sleep? Avoid blue light before bed. Limit alcoholic beverages and high carb meals close to bedtime. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day too.
- Hydrate!
Drinking plenty of water is also important to mental health. Water is the base of your body, so drinking enough of it is important to making sure your body and mind are performing well. Men should drink a gallon of water a day, and women should drink .75 gallons of water a day.
It takes practice and good habits to improve your mood and mental health. Don’t wait to get started on your journey to a healthier you.
