If you don’t have your health, then what do you have? Self-care is so important, especially for us, who always put others first. We have to take care of ourselves physically and mentally. Physical and mental health go hand in hand and it’s somewhat impossible to have one without the other.
On your journey to overall fitness, keep these tips in mind…it’s a journey for us all but the longevity of our lives makes the journey worthwhile.
Diet
Having a well-balanced diet is so important to the longevity of our lives. It gives our bodies the nutrients they need to function properly. Without proper nutrition, our bodies are more susceptible to disease, fatigue, and low energy levels.
In America, obesity and diabetes are perfect examples of conditions conducive to a poor diet. Now, I’m not a calorie counter, but your caloric needs are dependent upon your age and your weight goal. Eating foods low in calories such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Water is also a critical factor in a balanced diet. Water quenches your thirst without the empty calories. Whenever you have a craving for soda or a drink high in sugar or calories, drink a glass of water. Your craving goes away because the water really does quench your thirst.
Exercise
Exercise is ultimately any form of movement your body does that makes your muscles work and burns calories. It doesn’t have to be reduced down to only going to the gym either…you can exercise from the comfort of your own home. Running, jogging, and even dancing are all forms of exercise you can do practically anywhere.
Whether you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your weight, exercising regularly helps you stay healthy and increases your overall fitness. It also boosts your immune system, which helps you fight off illnesses like the common cold.
Exercise is great for weight loss of course, but did you know that it works wonders for your bones and joints? I use the motto “Motion is lotion.” Exercising helps lubricate our joints, so it’s especially important to exercise the older we get; this helps aid in the progression of arthritis.
Journal
On your journey to physical and mental health, consider starting a journal. You’ll be able to keep track of your progress from where you started, to where you are today.
You can, of course, write everything down on notebook paper, but a good way to share your journey with other people is to start a blog about it. Mentally, it can be quite therapeutic to write about your fitness and mental health journey. Beginning the process of getting fit is no easy task…it’s really a lifestyle change.
Once you’ve made the decision to start a journal through blogging, the first and the most interesting thing you’ll want to do is to come up with the name of your blog. You can also use a domain name suggestion tool that will help you with the name selection. Remember, your domain name is the direct link to your blog, so choose it wisely!
In your blog/diary, you can talk about the foods you eat, any supplements you may take, give tips on healthy alternatives to your favorite not-so-healthy foods, and even talk about the struggles you’ve endured during the process.
Talking about your journey really is a therapeutic process. Your blog will allow you to talk about your journey with others, without actually meeting your readers. They’ll be able to communicate with you, ask you questions, and even share their fitness journey with you!
Meditation
Meditation is a great way to put your mind at ease. Sometimes we all just need a little peace and quiet.
Meditation is actually a practice of self-care… it allows you to connect with your inner self. Your brainwave patterns will be in a state of deep rest which allows the relaxation of your mind and body.
Some mental benefits of meditation include:
● Emotional stability
● Happiness and creativity increases
● Peace of mind
● You don’t sweat the small stuff
Meditation is a habit we should all do daily for mental health…it’s good for the mind, body, and spirit.
