Simple Daily Habits to Boost Your Physical and Mental Health - Crossroads Health

Habits to boost your physical and mental health

In today’s busy, fast-paced world, it’s easy to put your mental and physical health on the back burner in terms of priorities. But, it’s actually more important than ever before to put those things first.

If you’re not taking the time to improve your well-being, you could be at risk of burnout, mental health issues, fatigue, and much more. Thankfully, it’s easy to incorporate simple daily habits into your routine that can have a significant impact on your mental and physical wellness.

If you’re not sure how to get started, we’ve got a few practical tips for maintaining a healthy mind and body that can quickly turn into habits that will last a lifetime.

You Are What You Eat (and Drink!)

One of the best ways to boost your well-being is to take a look at what you eat and drink every day. You don’t have to give up your favorite foods. But making some simple swaps and paying more attention to what you consume can make a difference.

For starters, drink more water. If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink, you’re already dehydrated, and that can lead to problems like dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue. Chronic dehydration can cause kidney issues and even lead to muscle damage. If you have trouble getting enough water each day, you can improve your hydration by:

• Flavoring your water
• Eating water-rich foods
• Staying inside on hot days
• Dressing for the weather

Keep in mind that all fluids are not created equally. You might think beverages like soda or coffee are enough, but they are actually diuretics that can dehydrate you.

Similarly, you should also be mindful of your alcohol intake, as imbibing can have a variety of negative short- and long-term effects. Alcohol can impact the body in different ways, causing digestive issues, negatively affecting your mental health, and even damaging your heart and lungs. To mitigate those impacts, try switching to carbonated water or indulging in a mocktail from time to time.

Practice Self-Care

The term “self-care” has seen a rise in popularity lately, but it’s more than just a trend — it’s something we all should be practicing on a daily basis. Make it a goal to do at least one thing every day that promotes your well-being, either physically or mentally. That could include daily efforts to improve your sleep hygiene and get enough rest, stay active, or make time for your favorite hobby.

Skincare has become a major part of self-care for many people. Obviously, the right skincare routine can improve your skin health, but it can also serve as an effective way to boost your mental well-being.  A skincare routine teaches mindfulness, reduces stress and anxiety, and helps you feel more in tune with your emotions. Take a page out of some of the Japanese culture’s anti-aging secrets to improve your skin health, and try things like fermented foods, green tea, and essential oils to improve your skin health. You could also opt for one of the many trends related to Korean skincare, try facial exercises, or experiment until you find something that works for you.

Maintain Healthy Relationships

Spending time with people you love can also benefit your health. Isolation can be incredibly dangerous for your mental well-being, and it can even lead to greater health risks like hypertension, obesity, stroke, and reduced immunity. Humans are social creatures, so take the time to connect with your support system on a regular basis and focus on fostering healthy relationships.

It’s easier than ever to do that nowadays, largely thanks to technology. Utilize technology to stay in touch with friends and family via texting, video chats, and more, and get together in person as often as possible. Don’t be afraid to get creative! Host a Zoom happy hour with friends, or watch a movie together with your favorite people by connecting on video chat and playing the film at the same time.

However, if you’re able to connect in person, something as simple as having a coffee with a close friend or family member once or twice a week can make a difference in how you feel. Step out of your comfort zone from time to time, and your relationships will grow stronger.

Prioritize Mental Health

Most people understand the basics of taking care of their physical health. Eating right, staying active, and getting enough rest are all fairly common things we know we have to do. However, your mental well-being is just as important and should be just as much of a priority.

Some of the self-care habits listed above can benefit your mental health as well as your physical. But if you want to focus on your mental well-being, introduce more habits designed to help with clarity, stress reduction, and happiness. Some of the easiest ways to give your mental health a natural boost each day include turning off your digital devices and disconnecting for a while, changing your environment, and learning to say “no” so you don’t burn yourself out by taking on too much.

Additionally, you can incorporate some tried and true methods to feel more connected to your mental well-being, like mindfulness. Every morning, take a few minutes to close your eyes and focus on deep breathing. You might notice that anxious or negative thoughts will still try to creep in. The beauty of mindfulness is letting those thoughts pass you by and remaining grounded in the present.

Keeping a daily journal can also benefit your mental health. You don’t have to be a great writer to jot down your thoughts and feelings every day. Sometimes, putting your thoughts and emotions to paper can feel like a release, preventing you from bottling everything up.

There are countless small daily habits you can do each day to boost your physical and mental health. Don’t be afraid to try different things and find what works for you and your routine. As long as your focus remains on your well-being, you’ll be on the right track.

Guest post by Charlie Fletcher