Wellness. Why is this so important? I’m too busy to take extra time to focus on health issues, especially if I feel ok. Staying busy keeps me moving and adds to my health. Do you find yourself asking these questions or making these statements? If so, you need to keep reading. Being well, both mentally and physically, is vital to living sound. The two feed off of each other. If you are not mentally well it impacts your bodily functions. When you have issues with physical health it impacts your mental status.
Mental health is about how you cope with stress, daily life functions, and take care of yourself. Mental wellness is about having positive attitudes, behaviors, and relationships that enhance your quality of life and help you achieve your goals. Both mental health and wellness can be improved through practices such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and meaningful connections. Mental wellness is also a life-long process that strengthens your inner resources. What things can we do to improve our mental health? You can incorporate various practices like practicing gratitude, getting enough sleep, and staying positive. These practices can have benefits like reducing stress, improving mood, and enhancing your general well-being. Focusing on managing your stress levels can make a big difference in your mental health. Try relaxation methods like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga, and having fun! Doing things that you enjoy can positively impact your level of stress. Check out the links below for much more information on mental wellness.
Physical health refers to the condition of the body and normal organ and system functioning. To keep good physical health, you must consistently care for and nourish your body. Physical health includes the capacity to perform physical tasks involved in life and athletics effectively; it is not simply the absence of disease or illness. Be sure to get your regular annual checkup. This is so important. Many of us tend to stay away from doctors or physical examinations. This is a very big mistake. Your annual doctor visit can pick up on an issue that can save your life. I know because this hit my family very hard. A very close, young family member had not been to the doctor for a basic exam in a few years. They felt sick, like they were getting the flu. They were found dead at home from preventable disease conditions (hypertension and diabetes) that they did not know they had. Do not let that happen to you or your loved ones. Encourage them to get their annual physical exam; it literally can save their life.
What can we do to improve our physical health? Just start now. Pick one thing you can do today – walk for 5 minutes, add an apple as a mid-afternoon snack, or whatever works for you. Improving physical health is a journey, not a destination. It takes time and effort to make changes. To be more successful start with a smaller change and set goals you can get done. Celebrate every success along the way, big or small! Check out the links below for much more information on physical wellness.
Here are some resources that can help you learn more about mental health and wellness:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides basic public health information about mental health, including causes and types of mental illness. About Mental Health (cdc.gov)
The National Institute of Mental Health has a page on caring for your mental health, which includes information on how to maintain good mental health and what to do if you need help. NIMH » Caring for Your Mental Health (nih.gov). You can find fact sheets here as well: NIMH » Fact Sheets (nih.gov)
The World Health Organization provides resources to help you keep mentally healthy and reduce stress. Mental well-being: resources for the public (who.int)
Verywell Mind has an article that explains what mental health is and how it affects your overall well-being. Mental Health: Meaning, Characteristics, Management (verywellmind.com)
Here are some resources that can help you learn more about physical health and wellness:
Physical Wellness Toolkit: The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides a comprehensive toolkit that includes checklists and articles on how to improve your physical health. Physical Wellness Toolkit | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
World Health Organization (WHO) Factsheets. Physical activity (who.int)
Mayo Clinic Fitness training: Elements of a well-rounded routine. Fitness training: Elements of a well-rounded routine - Mayo Clinic
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) provides tools and resources help families and communities better understand physical activity and how it relates to maintaining a healthy weight. Physical Activity, Tools & Resources, NHLBI, NIH
I hope these resources help you find the information and support you’re looking for and need.
Dr. Q
The Quitassential Life 🌹