Getting daily exercise and knowing how to treat your body is essential for your well-being. But with our busy schedules and many responsibilities, sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin, or how to fit in wellness within everyday activities. Integrating exercise and overall wellness, such as meditation or mindfulness for positive mental health is a great way to practice self-care while getting your mind and body in shape.
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Fortunately, there are several easy ways you can achieve this. From diet and exercise to finding fun ways to get your heart rate up, you can easily balance your physical and mental fitness. Not only will this keep you healthy, it can help you find ways to relax and cope with stress in an increasingly stressful modern world.
Here are a few tips on how to achieve a good balance between mind and body.
Workout at the office
Incorporating exercise at work is a good idea on many levels. Not only do people who work at office jobs suffer from a lack of activity, they also see stress levels rise without having an effective way to cope with them. Exercise can boost your mood and releases hormones that make you feel good, meaning you’ll be more prepared for the job at hand. Talk to your supervisor about bringing in a yoga coach or organize a running group during lunch and fit in a workout even during the busiest of days.
Get away
Taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical health, so learning how to reduce and cope with stress is beneficial. One of the ways you can do this is to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You might want to consider relaxing activities such as a hike and camp out under the stars, or head to a nearby city for the weekend to check out a new museum. Finding ways to leave stress behind while staying active can help you face the coming week with renewed self-confidence. For more great tips on reducing stress, click here.
Get a loved one involved
Exercising with someone you enjoy spending time with can help you stay motivated and enjoy the workout even more, so ask a friend or loved one to join you. Go for a swim, or head to the park for a walk after dinner each night. Staying active while spending quality time with someone you care about can elevate your self-esteem and keep you social, which can help keep loneliness and depression at bay.
Meditate
Meditation and mindfulness has been shown to improve concentration and reduce stress and anxiety, in part because they require focus and being in the present moment rather than worrying about the past or future. These techniques are often done in conjunction with yoga, which is a great workout for the body. Consider taking a yoga class or look up a tutorial online.
Sleep well
A good night’s sleep can help improve many areas of your life. Proper rest can boost concentration and the ability to perform at work or school, help maintain metabolism and prevent accidents or falls, especially in seniors. Start a bedtime regimen that will get you ready for sleep, such as taking a hot bath or using lavender-scented lotion and make sure you get at least seven hours each night.
Finding a good balance between physical and mental health isn’t always easy, especially when you have a busy schedule or work long hours. Think outside the box for ways you can improve your well-being and consider asking a friend to join you in order to help you stay accountable.
Always improve,
Chris Johnson
*This post was written and shared for free by Sheila Olson.