Our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health all influence one another. Practitioners of Eastern medicine and holistic health have long recognized and sought to balance the relationship between mind, body and soul.
However, in our modern society, it’s relatively common to run on stress and caffeine, rely on convenience foods and get too little sleep and exercise. On the bright side, people are increasingly becoming aware of the importance of caring for their bodies and making positive changes to their lifestyles that promote health and well-being.
Even if you aren’t actively struggling with a mental health disorder, it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Similarly, even if you haven’t been formally diagnosed with a physical ailment, it’s still important to care for your body.
Wellness is not the absence of stress or pain, but the consistent practice of healthy habits to better improve one’s overall well-being. Wellness is a conscious choice to thrive, as opposed to just going through the motions in survival mode.
In other words, wellness is an overall state of harmony in the body as a whole: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Every part of our being is interconnected. Our diet, exercise and other lifestyle habits affect how our bodies feel. How our bodies feel affects how we think. How we think affects how we act, and how we act dictates the course of our lives.
Understanding and taking care of our overall wellness is important because everything in our bodies and lives are connected. When one facet falls out of alignment, so can everything else.
When you prioritize your overall wellness, you will likely experience positive shifts in your mental health.
Some of the greatest impacts of wellness on mental health include:
There are countless ways you can take care of your overall wellness, and what that looks like for you will depend on your unique situation and needs. Give yourself permission to try new things you think might be fun or helpful, and release methods that are ineffective after giving it some time.
We’ll give you a few ideas to get started.
Try to go to bed at the same time each night to establish a consistent routine. Be sure to turn off the TV or put down the smartphone or other electronic device at least 30 minutes before bed.
A daily exercise routine can be as simple as a 30-minute walk around your neighborhood. Whether you keep it simple, hit the gym for a more rigorous workout or play a sport, just be sure to move your body in a way that feels good and is fun for you.
Getting outside in nature can have a powerful impact on your mood and provide vitamin D, a commonly deficient hormone.
Whether it’s meditation, deep breaths, visualization or talking to a therapist or trusted loved one, we all need outlets for coping with everyday stress.
Spending quality time with family and friends promotes wellness. Loneliness can have a negative effect on our overall well-being, so if you’re spending too much time alone, it might be a good idea to step out of your comfort zone to meet new people.
Being present is easier said than done, but it will revolutionize your life. Focus on this moment, the people around you right now, the work you’re doing at this time — let go of yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow.
If you or someone you know is struggling to manage their mental health, reach out for help. We know it can be overwhelming to know where to begin with mental health care, which is why we offer a variety of mental health services and programs for you to choose from.
At High Focus Centers, we’re focused on providing you with the highest level of care, that’s why we customize every treatment plan to your specific preferences and needs. We offer both in-person and telehealth services for your mental health so you can receive care in the most convenient and comfortable way possible.
To learn more about how we can help you take care of your mental health, give us a call today at 877-618-3373.
