A physically active lifestyle and mental health are two distinct but equally essential factors.
Physical health normally depends on two main factors: a moderate amount of physical activity and a well-balanced, well-considered diet. However, in order to feel mentally healthy, one must be in tune with their body, mind, and soul, and take measures to determine what each needs to feel nourished.
While physical and mental health require different inputs to thrive, this does not mean that there are no lifestyle commonalities between the two. There exist. In the same way that eating well and getting enough of exercise will surely improve your mental health, feeling confident and at ease in your body and mind will likely motivate you to maintain healthy physical habits.
In light of the foregoing, here is a brief guide to a healthy, active lifestyle:
1. Stay hydrated
First and foremost, your body and mind cannot function optimally or be in sync if they are not properly nourished and hydrated. A properly hydrated mind and body will think, work, and sleep well, as well as be prepared for whatever the day (or night) may bring. We understand that this can be challenging for those with incontinence concerns, particularly during colder months (and when there are no accessible facilities nearby), but please do not disregard your body’s need for water.
2. Increase your heart rate
Not everyone is able to get up and go for a run, and even fewer would likely like doing so! A moderate quantity of daily exercise (30 to 60 minutes) that leaves you somewhat out of breath is beneficial for strengthening the body and clearing the mind. Exercise need not be excessively strenuous either. Stretching, walking or pushing, swimming, and even having sexual relations are all excellent forms of exercise!
3. Eat thoughtfully
Eating mindfully is a great way to start a healthy, active lifestyle that nourishes you physically and emotionally. It is not healthy or a good lifestyle choice to be overly concerned or stressed about what you are eating. Consider what your body needs prior to eating. Sometimes we eat fats and sugars because we need them, and other times we do it out of habit. You can’t go wrong when you eat intuitively (and it’s lot more enjoyable than a tight diet!)
4. Limit screen time
In reality, workdays no longer conclude at 5 p.m. There are emails showing up on our phones, a conference call in the evening with a different time zone, and an event that we must attend. Don’t forget that talks over dinner and reading the kids a bedtime tale require your attention as well. Being present is difficult at times, but it is worthwhile.
5. Practise self care
Consider the things that make you happy and are significant to you. It could be getting nine hours of sleep each night, having a long bubble bath, reading in the sun, or visiting your favorite street food market. Engaging in our passions and being kind to ourselves also contribute to our happiness, which in turn improves our physical and mental health.
Want a healthier, more active, and also more intuitive lifestyle? Follow these five instructions, and have fun!
