World Health Day: Ways to care for your mental and physical health

Monday 7th April is World Health Day, so here are some different ways you can ensure you're looking after your mental and physical health.

In a society where we rely on technology and spend copious amounts of time on our phones, tablets and computers, it can be difficult to keep on top of a healthy lifestyle. Our mental and physical health are equally important, but sometimes one can be less prioritised than the other, and sometimes, both can fall to the wayside.

However, we all need to ensure we're looking after ourselves, both mentally and physically. That's why, for today, I wanted to share various ways you can care for your health as it is World Health Day on Monday.

Embrace nature

Spring is officially here, and the weather in the UK is finally getting a bit warmer and sunnier. That means it's a lot easier for us all to venture outside rather than being cooped up inside all day.

Being outside isn't always great though, especially when you suffer from hay fever. However, getting outside and being surrounded by nature has been proven to provide health benefits.

So, to care more for your mental and physical health, take some time out of your day to either go for a walk or sit outside, whether that's in your garden or a public field/park, and embrace nature. ,

Daily movement

Depending on what job you do and what your day-to-day exercise life entails, it can be difficult to find time to exercise. It can also be challenging to find the motivation to want to exercise.

But caring for your mental and physical health doesn't necessarily mean that you have a workout routine, targeting different muscle groups and consisting of different exercises.

You could simply go for a ten-minute walk each day. Or you could do a quick at-home workout or walk somewhere instead of driving.

Whatever you choose, as long as you get some daily movement into your routine, because whilst you may not like exercise or getting sweaty, exercise releases endorphins and actually makes you feel good and energised.

Nutritious food and drink

Have you heard the phrase, You are what you eat?

Our bodies rely on food and water to survive. We need to fuel our bodies to give us energy and allow basic functions, like breathing, hormone maintenance and digestion to occur.

However, to be in the best physical health and have good mental health, you do need to eat nutritiously and drink water. Of course, you can have meals out and have a can of Pepsi too, but the majority of what goes into your body needs to be good for it.

Otherwise, you could develop health issues over time; you could feel drained and fatigued; and you could just feel a bit meh.

By prioritising nutritious foods, you can care for your mental and physical health, whilst still indulging every so often.

Solo date time

Another way of caring for your mental and physical health is to date yourself. Oftentimes, we prioritise others in, our lives over ourselves. We put their needs first and sometimes this can be to the detriment of our own health.

Therefore, it's good to date yourself. What I mean is feel free to take yourself out. Treat yourself to a nice dinner, go to the cinema, or go on a shopping trip. Whatever makes you happy, do it.

Don't worry if you don't have anyone to go with at times; solo dates are meant for one person, and they can make all the difference.

Socialise with good company

The last way of caring for your health is the opposite of the tip above. Solo dates are so important, but so is socialising with those who make you feel good.

If you're socialising, you want to be able to be yourself and have fun without any worries because otherwise, your mental health can take a hit. So, make sure you socialise with good company.

If seeing friends involves something you don't particularly want to do, tell them and either do something different or stay home. Socialising with people who drain your energy and doing something that brings you stress and anxiety, and that you don't enjoy, isn't worth it.

Your mental and physical health are just as important as everyone else's. And if you don't look after yourself, you won't be able to look after others.

So, with World Health Day coming up, make sure you look after yourself and prioritise your health.

Until next time...