Written By: Jennifer McGregor
Whether you’re looking to spruce up your self-care routines or get healthier physically, having a strategy for head-to-toe health is a great idea. Mental and physical health are inextricably linked, so any strategy needs to include components of both. From upping your skincare game with AVOWnatural to paying attention to your mental health, here are five things you can do right now to improve both mental and physical health:
Start simple: your skin.
You’ve heard of the simple fact that your skin is your body’s largest organ. It helps protect your internal components from harm. Not only that, but it’s also a huge component of looking your best. Your daily skincare routine doesn’t have to be super complicated, but it does have to be regular. Start simple with face washing, moisturizing, and applying sunscreen. Your nutritional intake also has a huge impact on the overall health of your skin. Some ingredients, like turmeric, have healing qualities that fight acne and impurities.
Action item: Create a simple skincare routine, starting with a face wash.
Monitor what goes in.
Don’t forget that your diet has a huge impact on your mental and physical health. Including healthy ingredients in your meals like protein, whole grains, and vegetables are all no-brainers. You should also start eating more fish as Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for cell regeneration and can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Action item: Eat five servings of vegetables today.
Don’t neglect dental hygiene.
One area sometimes overlooked by full-body health strategies: your teeth. Often, people with mental health issues report dental problems. In fact, almost two-thirds of people with depression reported a toothache in a year-long period, and a review of scientific studies concluded that dental health had a significant impact on mood, stress, and anxiety levels. It’s a vicious cycle: Depression can lead to poor oral hygiene which, in turn, can lead to depression. Having regular checkups, eating healthy foods, and getting dental work done when you need it are all important.
Action item: Call your dentist for an appointment!
Move your body.
Starting a fitness routine is only the beginning of really amping up your physical well-being — maintaining this routine is key. One of the best ways to find motivation is to log your workouts, and fitness apps on your smartphone can become your best friends. One thing to remember, though, is that these apps may require a lot of memory on your smartphone. If you find that your phone is running too slow, you may need to upgrade to get the most out of these apps.
Action item: Look for deals like seasonal sales and limited-time offers from wireless providers so you don’t break the bank.
Get your mind right.
As we mentioned before, your mind and body are linked. You likely won’t achieve optimum physical health without paying attention to your mental stability. Emotional health can help improve productivity, as well as improve your effectiveness in regular activities like work and childcare. Try to incorporate mental health awareness into your daily routine. Mindfulness exercises, meditation, and deep breathing techniques are all ways to center yourself and draw attention inward — essential for maintaining a healthy balance within.
Action item: Meditate for five minutes today.
Move into the future with a healthier you.
These are only a few things that can contribute to a healthier, more vibrant self. Once you have the daily routine down, you should continue to focus on your continued happiness and overall well-being.
Do you want to learn more about collagen-boosting nutrients or how best to care for your sensitive skin? Visit the AVOWnatural blog for more skincare inspiration!