Taking good care of your body is one of the most important things you can do to improve your mental wellbeing.
How we think and feel depends directly on how well our brain is functioning. A healthy, well-nourished and rested body provides the foundation for your mind to function at its best.
You can take better care of your body in three different ways:
Aim to do 30 minutes of physical activity each day. This could be as easy as gardening or walking or as intense as rock climbing or interval training – the activity you choose is up to you.
Physical activity releases feel-good chemicals into the body, like endorphins and serotonin. These chemicals make you feel good, lift your mood, increase your energy levels and improve your sleep. Getting active also gives your general health and wellbeing a significant boost.
Aim to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet. You could try introducing an extra serve of vegetables to your meals or reducing processed and fast foods.
Following a healthy diet means your brain will have the right balance of nutrients to work at its best. It will also improve your energy levels, sleep patterns and general health, leaving you fresh and ready to handle life’s day to day challenges.
Get more rest
Aim for at least eight hours of sleep each night. This isn’t always easy, especially if you have young children. But, even a small change like shifting your bedtime forward by an hour could make a big difference to your energy levels.
Sleep gives your brain important ‘down time’ to process and store the information it receives during the day. Not getting enough sleep affects your mood and ability to concentrate, and can also lead to anxiety and depression.
Sign up for regular wellbeing tips
Sign up to receive regular wellbeing tips and information, advice and support for you or your loved ones.