Humanity is going through a unique period in its history. Stress, worries, anxiety, and fear of the unknown are upsetting us all. Sure, some are more affected than others. That’s why we have to be mindful of the most vulnerable. Society must relinquish selfishness, especially in times where the fate of one impacts on many.
Nonetheless, it’s vital to protect ourselves in order to support others. You have to keep yourself healthy, both mentally and physically, to stay strong and help those in need. The following tips may seem obvious, but they are objectively the most important habits for a strong body and mind.
“Where there is unity, there’s always victory.”
Latin writer Publilius Syrus
Eat healthy food
At the top of our list is nutrition. Plant-based diets are the best option for your brain, skin, cardiovascular system, and overall energy levels. Eating fresh will also boost your mood due to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory proprieties.
Foods to eat
- Leafy greens: spinach, kale, and sprouts
- Nuts: almonds, cashews, and peanuts
- Tropical fruits: avocados and mangos
- Common fruits: apples and grapes
- Forest fruits: berries and wild currants
- Tofu, tempeh, seitan, and soy
- Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and edamame
- Hemp seeds, flaxseeds, and chia seeds
- Complex carbs: potatoes, rice, and pasta
- Grains and cereals
Foods to avoid
- Trans fats, saturated fats, and partially hydrogenated oils
- Foods with chemical preservatives, antibiotics, and hormones
- Fried and salty foods
- Sugary snacks, beverages, and candy
- Refined carbs such as white flour or white rice
Keep dairy, meats, and fish to a minimum. And if you do eat animal products, try to cook them with steam or in the oven.
Drink enough water
One of our most neglected requirements throughout the day is water. Most people don’t drink nearly enough. Remember the 8×8 rule, meaning eight glasses of eight ounces (237 ml) of water daily.
The human body is composed of roughly 70% water, which is necessary for cellular functions. Drinking adequate quantities of water can help with:
- Headache relief caused by dehydration and fluid loss. Drinking enough water will lower blood pressure and get you rid of headaches.
- Metabolism and regularity improvement. A study indicated how reduced water intake leads to a lower internal body activity and constipation.
- Kidney disease prevention. Another review showed how a higher water intake prevents the formation of kidney stones.
- Joint pain reduction and higher flexibility. By absorbing more water, your joints will be more lubricated, and your muscles more flexible.
- Mood improvement. A ground-breaking review indicated that by consuming sufficient water, your brain functions and general disposition improve.
Exercise every day
It’s been demonstrated without a doubt that active people are healthier from every point of view. If you’re not a fan of sports, that’s OK, but you’ll have to keep fit. The main idea is to get your heart rate up for a few good minutes and stimulate the muscles. Put on some music, dance to the boogie for 15 minutes, and finish with some push-ups, crunches, and squats. Get your endorphins up, and you’ll see incredible changes, both physically and mentally.
Rest eight hours a day
Getting eight hours a day is incredibly important for physical and psychological health. Apart from bodily harm, sleep deprivation will weaken your mental sharpness, ability to handle stress, and emotional stability. A good night’s sleep is paramount but getting one depends on a few factors:
- Eating habits. You shouldn’t eat heavy meals or sugary snacks before bed. Don’t go hungry, but keep it light.
- Shiny lights. Lower the luminosity of your room and avoid bright screens an hour beforehand.
- Stress and anger. Avoid getting emotional before bed. Relax, meditate, and do some breathing exercises.
- Regular schedule. Set your biological clock by going to bed at regular times.
Avoid drugs and alcohol
This point might appear redundant. However, it’s essential to understand that using psychoactive substances isn’t a valid coping mechanism. Vices, in general, including smoking, will do more harm than good in the long term — briefly, drugs force-release “happiness” hormones. But after a while, the brain has to replenish the reserves by taking resources from other tissues, contributing to depression, emotional instability, and physical illnesses. Hard drugs can impair or even destroy the “happiness” receptors.
Coffee, although the least damaging, shouldn’t be overindulged. Caffeine, especially on an empty stomach, can destabilize your psychological well-being.
Keep in mind to use and not abuse. Everything in moderation, hold yourself accountable.
Socialize as much as possible
Keep your friends, family, and even your pets as close as you can. Hug them as much as possible, and if you don’t have that option, start a video conference and chat a little bit. Even the most introverted people need human contact. It’s a crucial part of our humanity, so don’t overlook the importance of socializing.
Keep your mind occupied
This last piece of advice follows an old principle studied by French and German essay writers and philosophers such as Immanuel Kant. It’s called “distraction” in French, “zerstreutheit” in German, or “absent-mindedness” in English. Concisely, it refers to the fact that your worries go away the moment you focus on something you like. For example, concentrating on reading, writing, or anything that requires your full concentration will make you oblivious of the stress around you. So, take up something exciting and dedicate yourself to it.
Life is challenging, but it’s how we prepare ourselves to confront it that matters. Continually improving our knowledge is the foundation of adaptation. Learning to eat right, drink enough water, exercise every day, and getting enough rest is paramount for a strong body. Likewise, our minds have to be just as tough in avoiding vices, keeping our loved ones close, and finding personal meaning. Don’t be shy to ask for practical help when needed. Try to think in advance and anticipate the future. Even simple things like timely calling a taxi, ordering delivery food, or requesting medical care are good starting points. Stay strong, and remember that resilience is a learned skill.
About the Author: David is a professional writer and blogger from Virginia. He works at a dissertation writing service in collaboration with some of the best essay writers in the U.K. David is honored to be part of a highly-skilled team of professional essay writers that offer top essay writing services. When he’s not writing, he enjoys swimming, playing the guitar, and playing soccer.
The opinions and views expressed in this guest blog do not necessarily reflect those of www.rtor.org or its sponsor, Laurel House, Inc. The author and www.rtor.org have no affiliations with any products or services mentioned in this article or linked to herein.
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Sleep and healthy nutrition are the basis for well-being! And if you can also add exercises and communication that brings positive emotions, it’s great!
Unfortunately, in real life, it is very difficult to keep everything under control! But sleeping and eating is something you should try to do regularly. Without trans fats and added sugar after a few weeks I felt better, my mood became more stable.
It’s a great piece to read!
Physical health is really important in COVID, We all should be trying to stay fit. Regular exercise and healthy food can really boost our immune system and stay strong.
Keeping yourself mentally and physically healthy is of vital importance now more than ever. These tips will help get you on the right track. Thanks for sharing!
Mental and physical health are important because they help us achieve overall wellness. A healthy lifestyle, eating healthy foods and staying active can improve our physical and mental health. Seek psychologists Newcastle if you are having a hard time managing your stress.
We achieve overall wellness by having a good mental and physical health. Staying active, eating healthy foods, and leading a healthy lifestyle are all factors that contribute to physical and mental well-being. Getting enough sleep and eating well are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, if you can include exercises and communication that bring positive emotions, that’s even better!