Health and wellbeing are under the spotlight. As we continue to live through a pandemic, many people are on a mission to take better care of their bodies and minds. In this guide, we’ll discuss some manageable steps you can take to enhance physical and mental health. 

Movement

Movement is one of the best natural tonics for your body and mind. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins and levels of serotonin and dopamine increase in the brain. Physical activity builds strength and stamina and regular exercise reduces the risk of life-threatening illnesses, but moving your body also makes you feel good. Working out, going for a walk, or dusting your bike off will lift your mood and reduce stress. Exercise will also benefit your muscles and your cardiovascular system.

If you’re not used to exercising and you lead a sedentary lifestyle, aim to increase your activity levels gradually. Start going for regular walks, try home workouts or go for a jog, a swim, or a bike ride a few times a week. As you get stronger and fitter, you can elevate the intensity, try new activities and set new targets. Increasing your step count is a brilliant way to get into exercise. If you currently do 2,000 steps per day, for example, try to get up to 3,000 and then 5,000.  

Seeking advice and reaching out

Many of us suffer in silence when it comes to our physical and mental health. We try to forget about symptoms or hope that they’ll magically disappear, we don’t want to burden people by opening up about how we feel and we soldier on even if we know pain is getting worse. One of the simplest ways to prevent health problems and manage existing issues is to reach out and seek advice. There are people out there who can provide help. If you have back or neck pain or you’re having trouble sleeping due to discomfort, see a chiropractor.

If you’re not feeling yourself or you’ve been feeling anxious or low for a period of time, let’s set up a time to discuss a plan to get everything flowing for you. It can also be of benefit to make an appointment with your doctor or talk to a friend or a relative that you trust. If you’ve noticed unusual symptoms, consult your doctor. Adjusting your mindset can make a huge difference. You’re not putting anybody out by asking for help. Being proactive will make you feel better at the same time as increasing your chances of managing and treating conditions and symptoms effectively.

There may be scenarios where you need more help than just speaking to someone every now and then. There are plenty of rehab facilities that can help when it comes to matters of addiction or depression and other mental illnesses. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help because not everyone is strong enough to deal with what they’re going through, alone.

Eating well

As a society, we tend to be fixated on dieting to lose weight. It is possible to shed pounds by changing your eating habits. However, our diets have a much more important role to play. Nutrition should always be a priority. Aim to overhaul your diet to enhance nutrition and boost your health, rather than to change numbers on the scale Click To Tweet. Include ingredients that are bursting with vitamins and minerals, reduce your consumption of foods that offer little in the way of nutritional value, and try to ensure that your diet is balanced. If you’re looking for inspiration for menus and new ideas for mealtimes, search for healthy recipes. 

Many people are looking for manageable ways to improve their health and wellbeing. The good news is that you don’t have to overhaul your lifestyle to make a positive difference. Follow these simple and manageable steps to enhance your physical and mental health. 

To Your Health,

Elise Ho, Ph.D., D.N.Psy

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