The term HEALTH is multifaceted concept, depending on what context it’s being used and what impact it is to have on the recipient. According to the World Health Organization, health refers to the physical and emotional well-being of an individual, in association with the normal function of the human body, the absence of diseases, pain or injury, where the body is able to perform and maintain normal function.
Habit on the other hand is defined according to the Oxford dictionary as “a settled or regular tendency or practice, especially one that is hard to give up”. It is in a way, a custom, pattern, practice, routine or style associated with an individual.
Habits are without a doubt, one of the hardest characteristics a person can let go, especially if it is a bad one. Generally, habits are divided into two – the good and the bad. In relation to boosting both physical and mental well-being, here are 5 simple yet powerful habits that can significantly enhance both your physical and mental health.
PRIORITIZE YOUR REST
Yes! It’s no shocker rest takes the first number on our list. Rest is an essential part of life and plays a major role in the general wellbeing of an individual. As busy as we may be, resting should always be a daily priority. Taking a rest can be in the form of a good eight-hours night sleep, an in-between nap during the day, a simple pause and catch a breath or simply taking a leisure break. We’re understandably busy with life and everything in-between, but a good rest goes a long way to improve our wellbeing as well as boosting our personality.
Studies show that people who have ample rest are livelier and have a better personality as compared to people who do not rest much or at all. Resting is a healthy way for your mind to take a break and power up. So look around you, take a deep breath, pause and catch a much needed rest to relax and recharge!
Stay Hydrated
Water is life and water is essential for numerous reasons. Making a habit out of drinking water is a million times better and healthier as compared to drinking beverages. 8-10 glasses a day should be a must we all should strive to accomplish. Some importance of drinking water is it helps us stay hydrated and enabling the body to function properly, aids with digestion and prevents constipation, carries nutrient and oxygen to all parts of the body via the cells, regulates body temperature, removes waste from the body, improves skin quality and more. Remember, one glass of water, is as essential as one breath of fresh air.
Eat a Balanced Diet
Food is a basic need man cannot survive very long without. It is therefore very important to watch what goes into our system and know what foods to eat. Generally, the body needs the macro nutrients (Carbohydrate, Proteins, Fat and oil) in their correct proportions daily with a balance of the micro nutrients (vitamins, mineral and the trace elements). The human body system is unique par individually and knowing what your body can tolerate is vital for its growth and proper function.
Visit a dietitian to know what your body needs and in what quantity but know, a healthy meal should always be well balanced in the right proportions and an intermittent fasting is advised and encouraged. Make a habit to eat healthy and enjoy the long-lasting pecs that comes with it.
Practice Good Hygiene For Well-being
Personal and environmental hygiene is a must!. Making it a habit to maintain both are necessary and essential. Personal hygiene such as dental hygiene, hand hygiene and overall body hygiene goes a long way to improve our health both physically and mentally. Good hygiene prevents the spread of infection and diseases and decrease chances of contracting illnesses. Dental care improves oral health and prevents oral issues like cavities, halitosis, gum disease even tonsillitis.
Keeping a good body hygiene prevents body odor, skin deficits and various hair issues. Environmental hygiene does not only keep our surrounding and community clean but it also make it safe and healthy to live in. Mentally, good hygiene boosts self esteem, improves quality sleep/rest, promotes comfort and provide a sense of relaxation thereby reducing stress, tension and anxiety.
Exercise Regularly
Exercising is a great source of health when made a habit. Not only physical, body-sweating exercises but also, calm, mind-focused ones. Making a hobby of this is an excellent way to improve your body and mind. So whether it’s some adrenaline induced rope skipping, yoga, jogging, brisk walking, cycling, swimming, weight-lifting, cardio or the act of meditation, habitual exercising is substantial. Another priceless form of exercising is listening to music, laughing and having a great conversation with family and friends.
Connecting with a friend or loved one via text, phone call or video chat is a good practice to reduce stress and improve relaxation. Make it a habit to set aside a couple of minutes each day to exercise as it boosts both physical and mental well-being.
Incorporating these habits into your daily routine may seem simple, but their long-term impact on your physical and mental well-being is profound. Start small, and gradually these habits will become second nature, leading to a healthier, happier you.
Fun-facts:
# Exercise can boost creativity by up to 60%
# Drinking water can boost your energy level by up to 20%
# Chewing gun boosts concentration
#Hugging releases oxytocin
#Laughing can actually boost your immune system!
Your biggest book lover,
Tiana Diaga.
5 thoughts on “5 Simple Habits to Boost Both Physical and Mental Well-Being”