When it comes to improving your health, we often hear “eat your greens, exercise regularly and get enough sleep”. Whilst these are undoubtedly fundamental for a healthy lifestyle, there are there are lots of lesser-known tips that are often forgotten.
As World Health Day approaches, this article will delve beneath the surface of conventional health tips for improving your mental and physical wellbeing.
Healthy Eating Practices
Whilst many are familiar with the importance of a balanced diet, it’s a common misconception that achieving this balance requires a strict ban on certain food groups. Opting for healthier food choices is always a beneficial way to feel your best. However, eliminating “Unhealthy” foods can have a negative effect.
Challenges of restrictive eating:
- Nutritional imbalance: Avoiding entire food groups that are deemed “unhealthy” can lead to nutritional deficiencies, as these foods often contain essential macro and micronutrients. For example, diet culture tends to advocate cutting out carbohydrates, yet they provide vital nutrients such as fibre and energy.
- Risk of disordered eating: Extreme restrictions on certain food groups can fuel the development of disordered eating patterns such as anorexia nervosa and binge eating disorders. This fixation on purity and strict dietary rules can lead to anxiety, guilt, and an unhealthy preoccupation around food groups.
- Mental Health Implications: Adopting a rigid approach to food consumption can trigger feelings of anxiety when it comes to eating. Overemphasis on categorising foods as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’ can contribute to negative self-perception and a distorted relationship with food and body image.
Promoting balance
Rather than restricting food groups, we advocate enjoying your favourite treats like sweets and chocolate in moderation. This helps prevent binge eating tendencies and supports better mental health by promoting a balanced approach to indulgence.Top of Form
Practicing Gratitude
Engaging in the practice of gratitude involves consciously acknowledging and appreciating the positive aspects of life, even amidst challenges. Research suggests that gratitude not only enhances mental wellbeing but also improves physical health, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and stress.
By incorporating gratitude into our daily routines through rituals like journaling or expressing appreciation to others, we can harness its transformative power to boost overall health and wellbeing.
Optimising Sleep Environment
Whilst the significance of sufficient sleep is recognised, the influence of our sleep environment is frequently overlooked. Optimising factors such as room temperature, lighting, and noise levels can significantly enhance sleep quality.
Investing in a supportive and comfortable mattress and pillows, using blackout curtains, and reducing the use of electronic devices an hour before bed can create an optimal sleep setting for restorative sleep. Following these steps will not only improve your overall health and wellbeing but also facilitate a more peaceful night’s rest.
Embracing Nature Therapy
Spending time in nature, often referred to as ‘nature therapy’ or ‘ecotherapy’, has been shown to have numerous health benefits. These include reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced cognitive function.
Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll in the park, hiking though scenic trails, or simply basking in the tranquillity of natural surroundings, immersing yourself in nature can provide a much-needed respite from the demands of life and support overall health and vitality.
Digital Detoxing
In today’s hyper-connected world, constant exposure to digital devices can take a toll on our health and well-being. Purposefully disconnecting from screens, even for brief periods, can help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and foster deeper connections with us and others.
Incorporating the following can promote a healthier balance between technology and well-being:
- Setting boundaries around screen time: Establishing limits on screen usage can help individuals mitigate the negative effects of excessive screentime such as eye strain and poor sleeping habits.
- Engaging in offline activities: Participating hobbies and socialising with offers provides fulfilling experiences, strengthens social connects, and reduces feelings of isolation.
- Embracing mindfulness practices: Counteract the effects of digital overload by incorporating mindfulness practices such as yoga and deep breathing.
How can this help you?
From mindful eating to optimising sleep environments and embracing nature therapy, by prioritising these less conventional yet impactful methods, we can create a more balanced and fulfilling lifestyle that nurtures every aspect of our health and well-being.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute the medical advice from a healthcare professional.