How would you describe your overall condition? If you consider your mental and physical health to be anything less than optimal, there are some simple and effective methods for improving how you feel. Just work these savvy strategies into your lifestyle for better overall health.
Pamper Your Skin
When is the last time you spent a day at the spa? Angie’s List points out your skin is the largest organ you have, so make it a priority to give it some tender loving care. For spa-like pampering in the comfort of your own home, take a hot, relaxing shower and then soothe your skin with an unscented body cream. Top things off by giving yourself a facial. You can make your own mask by blending part of an avocado with some yogurt, olive oil, and honey. Sip some herbal tea while you lounge in the lap of luxury and let the mask to its work.
Engage in Yoga
Yoga has a lengthy history, but it’s receiving more attention than ever thanks to the many physical and mental health benefits you can gain from the practice. Yoga can improve your flexibility, build strength, enhance joint health, reduce back pain, lower stress levels, and boost your self-confidence. You can create your own home studio for practicing yoga with just a few basic elements. Personalize an uncluttered niche just for you with a mat, a handful of inspirational belongings, and any props you might find helpful, such as a cushion or pillow. Also, consider taking an occasional retreat to fully immerse yourself and engage with other yoga enthusiasts. For instance, Flow Retreats can help you find the perfect experience to refresh and energize your mind, body, and soul.
Address Gut Health
Do you experience cravings, feel uptight some days, or struggle with getting a good night’s sleep? You might be surprised to find these issues could be symptoms of an imbalance in your gut flora. Digestive problems such as bloating, cramping, or irregularity are just a small portion of the ways being off-kilter can affect your well-being. Losing or gaining weight, feeling stressed, insomnia, skin issues, and autoimmune conditions can also be indicators you need to address your gut health. Add probiotics to your diet with fermented foods such as kimchi, yogurt, and kefir. Also, consume some prebiotics, which can be found in onions, pistachios, and quinoa.
Enjoy Plenty of Shuteye
Time spent sleeping might appear to be inactive, but it’s actually when your mind and body go through restorative processes, recuperating from the previous day and preparing you for the next. Slumber is essential to good health, helping you maintain a better mood, think more clearly, feel more energized, and be more productive. Sufficient sleep is also associated with better immune function. Insider points out there are particular signs that could indicate that you need more or better quality sleep. For instance, falling asleep immediately when you turn in, sleeping late on days off, and craving high fat, carbohydrate-laden foods could mean you need more sleep. Set a sleep schedule to help your body get into sync, and aim for approximately seven to nine hours nightly to look and feel your best.
Connect with Your Friends
Spending time with your buddies does more than fuel those relationships. According to Medical News Today, your social life can be a key to mental and physical health. Connecting face-to-face can lower stress levels, not only in the moment but also in a residual sense, encouraging more resilience when upsetting situations arise. Being around others can also improve your memory, encourage healthier habits, help maintain a happy outlook, and even promote a longer lifespan. Alone time has its benefits, too, so find a balance appropriate to your personality type, but make it a point to gather with friends.
If you aren’t enjoying optimal health, take steps to adjust your lifestyle. Enjoy some pampering, engage in yoga routinely, tend your gut health, get enough sleep, and do some socializing. With a handful of wellness-focused strategies, you can feel good inside and out.
Sheila Olson has been a personal trainer for five years. She believes the best way to achieve physical fitness and good health is to set and tackle small goals. She encourages her clients to stay positive and incorporates mindfulness and practices for reducing negative talk into her sessions. She created FitSheila.com to spread the word about her fitness philosophy.
