The pandemic is far from over, and many things around you can still cause stress. To help you overcome these trying times, follow these five daily habits that can strengthen your physical and mental health this upcoming 2021.
Eat Healthy
This should be obvious, but the importance of eating healthy cannot be overstated. Have a healthy daily diet plan that consists of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, poultry, eggs, beans, nuts, and whole grains. Don’t forget to include low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products.
It should also be low in trans fat, saturated fats, salt, cholesterol, and added sugars. In terms of calories, make sure to stay within your daily needs. Another habit that you may add to healthy eating is taking supplements to manage nutritional deficiencies.
If you belong in high-risk groups, i.e., has osteoporosis or immune system problem, taking supplements can help your body meet its nutrient needs. Reliable suppliers, like Supplements Canada, are excellent places to look for quality supplements.
Start a Fitness Routine
The same as eating healthy every day, you need your daily dose of exercise. An average person needs at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. It can be initially difficult to maintain an exercise routine, but the key is to choose an activity that you enjoy.
You can do yoga, dancing, walking, running, bicycling, swimming, jogging, etc. For now, start small i.e. just a few minutes every day. Once your body gets used to the routine, you can increase your step count and push a bit further.
Besides doing physical activities, it also helps to cut out things like midnight snacks. These are small actions but add up to make a huge difference.
Practice Daily Self-Care
Self-care is crucial for mental health, which is currently very fragile for most people. Amidst all the stress and change around you, it’s essential to take time for yourself every day. Allocate a time, ideally before the day ends, to do something you love and enjoy.
It can be anything, such as taking a long, warm bath or a nice nap. It can be playing a basketball game with your friends or just lounging on the couch while watching your favorite TV show. You can also take a few minutes sitting at a cozy corner to clear your mind through meditation.
If you want, you can start a gratitude journal. You can do this using a journal app or on a physical notebook. Either way, it can be an excellent way to balance the good and the bad things that happen to you.
Disconnect from the Screen
There are a couple of noteworthy benefits to using social networking platforms. But there are drawbacks as well, especially to your mental health. If left unchecked, constant scrolling through your Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter feeds can be a source of stress instead.
2021 is the time to start taking command of your phone habits and reeling it back in if you identify a pattern of addiction. Try to limit your social media use to just a few hours a day. For instance, only check your social media accounts at a specific time of the day.
It’s also a good idea to have areas in your home where no one can use their phones. Ensure that everyone follows this rule so that everyone can effectively disconnect from the online craze. With all that’s happening outside, it makes it even more important to be with family and friends.
Seek Help
Perhaps the most crucial health habit to adopt this coming 2021 is to seek help when you need it. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t think that your issues are insignificant. Now is the time to stop suffering alone and believing that asking for help is a sign of weakness.
Verbalizing and confronting your fears can take away their power over you. Opening up to someone can significantly help you learn the cause of your fears and how to deal with them. If you have problems, don’t hesitate to open up to a family member or a close friend.
If not, you can set an appointment with a psychiatrist. You can also attend counseling or group therapy sessions with others who share similar issues. In doing so, you can get a better sense of the problem and how to attack it.
Are you ready for a better year? There’s nothing stopping you. And with these tips in mind, you can make the lifestyle transition a lot smoother.
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