Ruby Wax: “We’re allowed to exercise our bodies but what to do with our minds? As always, there’s no instruction manual”
April 2, 2020.
Most of us understand the real challenge presented to us when we start to focus seriously on “heathy mind and body”.
We also know that sinking feeling when we realise that in spite of knowing the right things to eat and the right body exercise routines, we often end up doing the opposite!
Some guidelines, starting with the obvious generalised advice:
Exercise, eating well and getting enough sleep.
We know these things help our hearts, but did you know they help our minds stay healthy too?
These tips will help to keep you feeling good while taking care of your heart. Bonus – they’re easy to do too.
1. Get enough sleep
Who’d think something simple like a good night’s sleep can help your mind? It’s true though. Sleep is good for your health.
We need seven-nine hours of sleep each night. Any less and you may not be able to think properly at work or you may experience mood swings.
Getting enough sleep can put you in a good mood, keep you healthy and reduce your risk of heart disease. You want to be your best self, right? So grab a pillow and get some shut-eye.
2. Exercise can make you happy
We know exercise is good for your body, but it’s also good for your mind too. It can help you feel less stressed, sleep better and improve your memory.
Even a little bit of exercise can put you in a better mood. You could try walking a bit every day. Even dancing counts!
It’s important to make the exercise fun – otherwise you won’t want to do it. Look for community exercise classes and encourage a group of your mates to go with you. Or get a group together and play sport. You could even start a tournament and have some healthy competition. As long as you’re moving – that’s what matters.
3. Make sure you’re not thirsty
Feeling thirsty? Have a glass of water. It keeps you hydrated and it’ll help your mind stay focussed.
When you’re dehydrated it’s hard for your brain to concentrate. You’re also more likely to have a headache.
Why choose water over sugary drinks? Tap water is free and good for your physical health.
4. What you eat makes a difference
Did you know what you eat can affect how you feel?
Eating a lot of junk food, that’s high in fat, sugar and salt, has been linked to depression and anxiety. It’s also not good for your heart.
Your mind and body will be happier if you eat fresh food like veges and fruit. It’s simple: if you eat better, you’ll feel better. Oh, and it tastes good!
5. Quit smoking for good
Some people smoke to help deal with stress. The need to keep smoking can be more stressful.
Any stress relief linked to smoking is short term. According to Smokefree, smokers are more likely to have poor mental health than non-smokers. Let’s not forget that smoking is the biggest risk for heart disease too.
If you quit it might be tough at first, but then you’ll start to feel more relaxed. And you’ll save money.
Try to work out how much money you can save when you quit smoking.
There are lots of benefits for quitting smoking, and no benefits for continuing to smoke. It’s worth a try don’t you think? There’s a lot of help available for people who want to give up smoking.
6. Go outside
That’s because going outside makes us happy. Spending time outside is a great way to reduce stress and clear your head. If you’re out and about you’re usually moving more too, perfect for that bit of exercise we talked about earlier.
https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/about-us/news/blogs/healthy-mind-body-and-spirit
Tips for a healthy mind, body and spirit
Published: 21 December 2018
More specific guidelines are always at hand:
Psychology Today
The 7 Habits for a Healthy Mind in a Healthy body are simple daily lifestyle choices. These 7 principles are the foundation of The Athlete’s Way philosophy:
7 Habits for a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body:
- Daily Physicality: Exercise for at least 20 minutes most days of the week.
- Intellectual Curiosity: Spend some time in focused thought, exploring new ideas every day.
- Foster Creativity: Challenge your mind to connect unrelated ideas in new and useful ways.
- Human Unity: Create and maintain close-knit human bonds and a social support network.
- Spiritual Connectedness: Identify a Source of inspiration that is bigger than you.
- Energy Balance: Balance Calories in/Calories out, and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Voluntary Simplicity: Embrace the liberty that comes with wanting and needing less.
Danny suggests that you reflect on the following simple questions:
- Do you know what a healthy mind and body means for your unique body and mind?
- If you do, are you committed to the healthy journey regularly?
- Do you listen regularly to your intuitive wisdom, your deepest instincts or do you trust the logical, the rational and the intellectual?
- If not, what seems to be getting in the way?
- Are you perhaps focussing too much on symptoms and not enough on systemic core issues that might help you towards a remedial path?
- Are you getting enough support from family, friends and professionals?
Talking to someone about your answers to these questions could be helpful. Get in touch with Danny.
Tel: 07850 143 209
Email: email@dannymcguigan.com
