Build a healthy body for a healthy mind

While we generally think of mental wellness residing within our brains, we need a healthy home for those precious minds to relax, reflect, heal, and flourish. By giving your mind all the resources it needs to prosper, we can work to boost our mental health and grow our resilience.

Attaining a healthy body looks different for everyone. Our bodies, preferences, histories, and lifestyles are all unique. Even if we all tried to have the same routine, not everyone would end up feeling great — and many people might instead end up stressed out or frustrated. The following tips are to be taken with your own personal touch, paying attention to what’s authentic, accessible, and energizing for you.

Here are a few ways to ensure that your body is healthy so that your mind can thrive:

• Get enough sleep. When we sleep, our brains undergo many vital processes that impact our moods, memories, cognitive capabilities, and more. The general rule of thumb is eight hours of sleep a night is healthy for your brain and body. Having good sleep hygiene is the first step towards establishing a healthy sleep routine. This could include a sleep diary, a set bedtime, a no-phones policy, or even an aromatherapy practice. Naps are also a great option, if that’s something that you feel you need to get the right amount of sleep!
• Eat healthy foods in healthy amounts. This doesn’t mean that you have to (or should!) go on a diet! Healthy eating does not equal deprivation of the foods that you love. Eating healthily means finding a balance of getting enough variety of nutrients and vitamins while avoiding overdoing it on less nutritional foods. It’s a balancing act, one that will depend on your food preferences, body’s needs, and goals. We encourage you to set the goal of providing your body the sustenance it needs to have enough energy for your mental health, rather than a number on a scale.
• Exercise in ways that appeal to you. There are so many different ways to get your body moving and elevate your heart rate — when you think of exercise, you don’t have to just think of jogging! Try out fun ways to get your body moving and blood pumping, which will give your mind the strength it needs to prioritize your mental health. Some favorites of ours include: jumping on the bed, dance parties, walking the dog, laughing, or trying to learn a cartwheel.