Stop Destroying Your Life: Use These Habits to Improve Mental and Physical Health
Odds are if you’re breathing you have some bad habits that aren’t serving you well. Maybe you drink too much and stay out too late, or perhaps you’re addicted to sugar and processed foods. Maybe you sit at your desk all day thinking about how much you hate your job, or maybe you feel like your physical health isn’t where it should be. We all have these things in our lives that may feel impossible to change, but the truth is that you can change almost anything in your life to improve your mental and physical health.
Make Habits to Improve Mental and Physical Health
Get Sober
Most people think that a drink or two a week is no big deal, but the truth is that drugs and alcohol are poison to your body and your mind. It’s important, to be honest about your alcohol consumption and to ask for help if you need it. There are many rehab programs out there that can get you back on a good trajectory. And the good news is that some insurance companies will cover these costs. You can check on your policy to see what and where they offer coverage. For instance, you can use GEHA for rehab in California but can you use it if you want to attend a program in Utah instead?
Avoid Chemical Foods
Processed foods are chemical foods made in factories. And to the best of your ability, if you want good health, these should be avoided. If it comes in a box or bag, chances are it’s been processed and contains artificial ingredients that can be harmful to your health. Processed foods often contain high amounts of sugar but they also contain chemicals that make them shelf stable and are not truly compatible with human life. Instead, eat more whole fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, and even non-GMO grains. These will be better for your overall health.
Create a Safe Sleep Space
What does your sleep space look like? Is it chaotic and stressful? Did you know you can design a sleep space that improves the quality of your sleep? Whether you are using something like red light therapy before bed, blackout curtains, or no technology in the bedroom, you can create a sleep space that helps you rest. White noise machines, darkness, coolness, and even limiting technology before bed are all ways to create a safe and comfortable sleep space.
Manage Your Mental Health
If your mind is hurting, your whole body will respond. Mental illness and mental distress affect everything from your ability to concentrate to your personal and professional relationships. Stop ignoring what your mind and body are telling you and get help. Mental health challenges can be the result of trauma, an inability to manage stress very well, or it can even hormonal. It’s best to be proactive and learn to manage your mental health in a positive way so you don’t destroy your life.
Speak Good Things Over Yourself
When you speak, you are programming your mind to think the way that you speak. So it’s imperative that you choose your words wisely and speak positively over yourself. Your thoughts create your reality and so it’s important to program yourself in the right way. You can speak health and life over your cells in a powerful way that can transform your health and body. You can gain more willpower, learn to do new things, break out of a rut, and so much more.
Prioritize Rest From Work
Sleeping is one thing, but do you know how to rest? Take breaks from work, not to do work things at home, but to rest your mind and body. People find that when they are overscheduled it can make life and work more stressful. Prioritize rest instead. Take your vacation days even if you have nowhere to go. Just enjoy time off of work. If you don’t, you may end up with lots of money, but destroying your health and well-being. Learn to say no to things that don’t align with your need for rest.
Make Movement a Part of Your Daily Routine
Move your body. Exercise regularly, and do it with a friend or group of people if needed. Go for walks on your breaks, choose activities you enjoy, and stay active. Living an active life is part of living a healthy life and can improve your physical and mental wellness tremendously.
