Balancing Mental and Physical Health
Everyone talks about work-life balance. What about life balance in general? Mental health is equally important as physical health.
My personal belief is that the mind, body and soul all work together. When one is out of alignment it impacts the other aspects of our personal well-being and other aspects of our life. Dr. Mikhail Varshavski, the celebrity doctor known as Doctor Mike explained that emotions have an impact on physical health and vice versa, it’s known as ‘Mind Body Disorder.’ Research has shown that the mind and the body work hand in hand with symptoms and conditions.
Life balance is important to me, I will share some tips of how I find that balance in the next section.
5 Tips for Living a Balanced Life
Tip #1: Develop a Sense of Self-Worth
Self-worth is about having a positive self-image and valuing ourselves, as improves our overall well being. The best way to do that is to provide yourself with unconditional love and compassion. All your mind, body and soul needs is your love, so challenge that voice that tells you that you’re not worthy and start practicing gratitude, it’s the best way to raise your vibration and to keep that energy flowing!
Tip #2: Make Sure Your Priorities Match What You Value Most
We all have different desires, needs and values. So it’s important to be aware of what your values are and why. Self-awareness allows you to reflect on a daily basis and to have a clear idea of what is truly important to you. Start asking yourself why you have these values and set your priorities straight that align with your goals and desires.
Tip #3: Avoid Overindulging in Foods That Will Kill Your Vibe
- Lots of Processed Sugar – Stick to natural sugars from fruits and sweeteners to prevent inflammation of the body and brain.
- Hella Carbs – It’s best to stick to ‘healthy carbs’ options like legumes and beans, as refined carbs (like white flour, white bread, white rice) cause inflammation as well which is linked to depression. I’m not saying don’t eat carbs, just don’t eat hella to prevent carb crashes, physical and mental health issues.
- MSG – MSG is common in a lot of chips and Asian foods. It’s a salty non-essential amino acids that can cause a blood-brain barrier. It blocks new neural pathways from forming. It is said that having a lot of it can cause brain damage.
- High Fructose Corn Syrup – Commonly found in candy and various sauces, high fructose corn syrup slows down cognition which controls our ability to absorb new knowledge and how we perceive things.
Tip #4: Move Your Body
We all know the importance of exercising for physical health, but it also benefits mental health drastically. When you exercise, more blood is pumped around your body and oxygen as well. That’s why people feel better emotionally after an exercise. I suggest you stick to an exercise you enjoy to stay committed, such as yoga or cycling. I personally don’t do very much exercise, but stretching definitely makes a difference in my mood and how my body feels.
Here are a couple stretch playlists that I’ve compiled on YouTube that I do on a regular basis:
Tip #5: Do Something With Your Hands
To amp up your vibration, you can use your hands to be more creative. Be spontaneous and start painting, drawing, cooking or even writing. Find a hobby that excites you and get creative!
How About You?
What are ways that you achieve balance in your life? I would love to receive your comments below.