words Alexa Wang
We all want to be healthy. We might wish to lose weight or exercise more. We might want to do yoga or meditation. When we think about health, we often end up only focusing on one aspect of it. While staying physically or mentally fit is vital, we also need to consider how community and connection also impact our health. Unless we pay attention to our physical, mental, and social health, we will never be as healthy as we could be.
Staying Physical Fit
There are lots of ways that we can get physically fit at home, without having to spend a lot of money on equipment. The first step is to make sure we have the right equipment for working out at home. This doesn’t mean we need to go out and buy a bunch of expensive workout gear. Instead, we should focus on investing in a few key pieces that will help us get the most out of our workouts.
One of the most helpful things to do when we are trying to get in shape at home is to create a routine. In addition, it’s critical to set some goals for our home workout routine. This could be anything from losing weight to being able to do 50 push-ups. Establishing smaller goals and milestones will help us stay on track with our health goals. Starting with the goal of doing one pushup is more realistic than jumping in and saying we want to do 50.
Staying Mentally Fit
Many people believe they have to deal with their mental health on their own. In truth, there are numerous mental health treatments available such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. It is critical to have someone to talk to who understands what we are experiencing. Mental health is just as important as physical health, and it is frequently linked to it. Exercise and a nutritious diet can help us feel better and improve our moods.
If we are struggling with our mental health, we should not be afraid to seek assistance. If we discover that we have a mental illness, such as addiction, there are many resources available to us, alcohol and drug treatment in SLC, LA, ATX, and many other facilities across the globe. While we may consider our mental health to be an individual issue, when we reach out, we discover that many other people want to help us be mentally healthy.
Staying Connected to Others
We live hectic lives nowadays, juggling work, school, hobbies, self-care, and other obligations. Finding time to keep up our friendships might feel impossible but are important. Social connections have been found to lower symptoms of anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and improve our immune systems. By neglecting our need to connect, we put our physical and mental health at risk. Loneliness is on the rise, according to research, and a lack of human connection might be more damaging to our health than obesity, smoking, and high blood pressure.
While technology seems to connect us more than ever, the screens around us often disconnect us from nature, from ourselves, and from others. Wi-Fi alone isn’t enough to fulfill our social needs; we need face-to-face interaction to thrive. Technology should enhance our connection to others, not replace it. Our inherent need for human connection doesn’t mean every introvert must become a social butterfly. Having human connections with others can look different for each person. And if we are not sure where to start finding meaningful connections, some ideas include:
- Joining a new club or trying out a group activity where we will see the same people week after week.
- Reaching out and reconnecting with an old friend we have lost touch with.
- Volunteering for a cause we care about where we know we are making a difference.
- Eating a meal in a communal space where we can start to have meaningful conversations with the people around us.
- Introducing ourselves to our neighbors and saying hi when we pass them on the street.
- Asking someone for help when we are struggling with something. Asking for help and giving help is a great way to deepen relationships.
- Doing a random act of kindness for someone we know.
