Relationships:
Food:
We all know that the food we eat affects our bodies. Eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain and diabetes. Eating too much fat can lead to clogged arteries. However, in addition to our bodies, food can also affect our mind and moods. While different individuals may be able to pinpoint different foods that make them moody, in general, eating too much sugar and carbs can send your blood sugar (and mood) spiking. To maintain an elevated mood, eating protein, fruits, vegetables, and foods high in fiber is the way to go.
Exercise:
Eating the right food isn’t enough for a happy, healthy body — exercise also plays a key role in our overall health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults practice at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week.
Sleep:
Most adults need between 7-9 hours of sleep to stay healthy, but for many, it’s challenging to get more than 6. As we all know, the benefits of continual nights of healthy sleep are undeniable. Getting enough sleep has been proven to reduce stress, improve memory, lower blood pressure, help maintain your weight, elevate your mood, and more.
Self-care:
Self-care is an umbrella term for doing things that will make you feel good. It’s a mindset that allows you to do things that will help you re-energize, as opposed to doing things that sap your energy from you. Self-care isn’t about being selfish, but it is about taking care of yourself. In addition to the things mentioned above, self-care can include accepting help when someone offers or saying “no” to someone when you feel overextended. It can be turning off your phone so that you can get enough sleep, and it can also be going to see a movie after you’ve had a stressful week. Everyone’s self-care is personal and making a self-care plan is a great way to get to really know yourself.
