These days, the focus on whole body wellness is huge—and for good reason. We only have one mind and one body, and it’s our duty to make sure both are healthy for the long-term.
Best ways to improve your mind and body each day
If you’re curious about how to improve your mind and body on a daily basis, here are some tips to keep in mind.
Let Go of the Past
One of the biggest obstacles to feeling good in the present moment: getting stuck in thoughts of past situations. Yes, we need to process emotions like grief, sadness, and anger. However, it’s not helpful focusing on what has passed—especially if there’s nothing you can do in the present to feel better about it. Instead of holding onto those past emotions, practice being present, so you can fully experience each moment.
Flex Your Creative Muscle
As humans, we’re all given the gift of creativity. Whether you like to sing, dance, draw, write, play an instrument, or perform any other creative tasks, be sure to get creative every single day. When you lean into your creativity, you’ll develop greater belief in:
- yourself
- pride in your work
- the knowledge that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to
Remember: being creative isn’t about being good or bad; it’s simply about living in the moment and doing what you enjoy.
Break a Sweat
Studies have shown that exercise can improve your mood and help decrease feelings of depression and anxiety. If you live a high-stress life or have difficulty sleeping, exercise could stabilize yourself from the inside out. As an added bonus, you’ll help maintain a healthy weight and support bone and muscle strength for years to come.
Find Stillness
While movement is one factor that helps with a strong body and mind, stillness is another. According to House Method, one way to improve your mind and body is by creating a peaceful meditation space in your home. Consider setting up a spare room or unused corner as a meditation space purely for tuning into your breath.
Eat Well
Mind and body function depend heavily upon eating nourishing meals. Studies have found a Mediterranean diet especially beneficial in supporting the brain, slowing cognitive decline and maintaining a healthy weight. Focus on eating:
- vegetables
- fruits
- whole grains
- nuts
- seeds
- olive oils
Make sure to eat moderate amounts of dairy, fish, and meat. As always, check with your doctor before making any changes to your diet.
Get Enough Sleep
You’ve likely heard it before, but getting enough sleep is essential for keeping yourself healthy for the long-term. Most adults need anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep, preferably at the same time every night, to feel well rested.
Cultivate Gratitude
It may sound a little out there, but your thoughts have an impact on you. If your thoughts are constantly negative, your body and mind suffer. Instead of spiraling into negative self-talk, shift your perspective into a place of gratitude. When you remind yourself of what you can be thankful for, you may just find that your day improves.
Connect in Person
With so many ways to connect online, we often lose sight of how transformational it can be to meet up with a friend or family member face-to-face. If you aren’t able to meet up in person, consider talking on the phone or scheduling a video chat—anything to get you interacting with a human, instead of just a screen. This quality time could be what makes the difference between feeling isolated and feeling included.
Improving your mind and body does not have to be an impossible task. In fact, with these eight tips, you’ll soon find it is second nature to take care of yourself on a daily basis.
About the Writer: Kay Pascale is a health and wellness writer from Durham, NC. In her free time, she loves practicing yoga, traveling with her family, and sitting down with a good book.
Need help working on your mental health, and developing a better set of habits? Using a laid-back mental health planner can often help!
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